Tarlac State University, through its Center for Food Technology and Research (CFTR), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially launched the upgraded TSU-CFTR Research and Testing Laboratory on October 16, 2026, at the Priscilla Hall, TSU Hotel.
The upgraded Shared Service Facility (SSF), under the “Elevating Food Quality and Food Safety Compliance: TSU-CFTR Food Testing Laboratory Enhancement Project,” received 50 million pesos in DTI funding for 25 additional laboratory equipment items and systems to strengthen food testing and research services and help food business operators in the province meet quality and safety requirements.
In his message, University President Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza emphasized the facility’s potential to bring essential food testing services closer to local entrepreneurs.
“Malayo, matagal, mahal – that journey ends here, at home. Dito na po – sa Tarlac na po,” Pres. Mendoza said, emphasizing the significance of the laboratory in supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for product testing, analysis, shelf-life studies, labeling support, and their FDA registration process.
“A shared facility means shared access. Ang laboratory ay hindi lamang para sa TSU kundi para sa lahat,” he further added.
Sharing the same sentiment, DTI Undersecretary for the Regional Operations Group, Usec. Blesila A. Lantayona, through Ms. Myrtle Faye L. Solina, Officer-in-Charge of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, highlighted in a video message how the enhanced laboratory would help local enterprises improve product quality, meet market requirements, and pursue greater business opportunities.
Meanwhile, DTI Region III Regional Director Ms. Edna D. Dizon said the project represents more than an investment in equipment and facilities.
“The upgrade of SSF is more than an investment in equipment and facilities; it is an investment in the future of our food entrepreneurs, the confidence of our consumers, and the continued development of our local industries,” RD Dizon said.
The initiative builds on the strategic partnership established in 2021 under the DTI SSF Program, through which TSU-CFTR received approximately five million pesos worth of basic equipment for physicochemical analysis.
In his message of support, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) North Luzon Cluster Director Atty. Gomel C. Gabuna encouraged TSU to lead collaboration among state universities and colleges in Central Luzon with laboratory facilities, allowing them to learn from TSU's experience in developing food testing services.
Tarlac Governor Hon. Christian Tell A. Yap likewise recognized the facility’s importance in strengthening local enterprises. Recalling his 2023 visit to CFTR while serving as mayor of Victoria, he noted the CFTR’s potential to expand food testing services and the need for additional scientific equipment to maximize its capabilities.
Gov. Yap acknowledged DTI Region III's support for the project and emphasized the role of MSMEs in the economy.
“I believe that the MSMEs are the biggest contributor to our economy, we want more of them to grow, we want them to produce household products, we want them to benefit the market, and become future large industries. Challenge sa ating mga MSMEs ang investment sa kanilang facilities, kaya napakalaking tulong nitong facility [in achieving that],” he said.
Moreover, Ms. Aileen U. Chan, president of PCCI Tarlac and chairperson of the Tarlac MSMED Council, expressed gratitude to TSU for providing a facility that can help local entrepreneurs bring their products to markets within the region and beyond.
To formally close the first part of the event, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Niño B. Corpuz expressed gratitude to partner agencies and emphasized the continued need for research grants and collaborative support to further enhance the institution's laboratory facilities.
The launch was formalized through a commitment contract signing between TSU, DTI, FDA, and the Provincial Government of Tarlac to ensure the facility’s operationalization, maintenance, and sustainability.
Afterward, TSU officials, together with the representatives of various government agencies and private sectors, toured the entire CFTR building, checking its facilities and equipment.
Among the newly installed equipment are High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry for specialized chemical analysis; automated fat and fiber analysis equipment for nutritional characterization; microbiological testing instruments for food safety investigations; and stability chambers, water activity meters, and moisture analyzers for product quality and stability studies.
The event also featured the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the PAFT-KAINNOVATION Store, showcasing innovative food products developed by Bachelor of Science in Food Technology students under the College of Science (COS), followed by a visit by Pres. Mendoza and Gov. Yap to the ongoing construction of the six-story College of Science Simulation Laboratory Building.
The said building will house classrooms for the COS and additional laboratories for Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, funded by Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid and Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian through the efforts of Cong. Yap.
Also present during the inaugural ceremony of the upgraded TSU-CFTR laboratory were Hon. Estelita M. Aquino, Tarlac Provincial Vice Governor; Ms. Karen Y. Dañez, DOST Tarlac Provincial Director; Dr. Richard V. Simangan, DTI Central Luzon Assistant Regional Director; Florencia A. Balilo, DTI Tarlac Provincial Director; and Dr. Joel G. Juvinal, representing Central Luzon State University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella.
