CFCST Benchmarks USM’s Food Technology Facilities

Kabacan, Cotabato — In response to recommendations from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board for Food Technology, the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST) conducted a benchmarking visit to the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) on May 7, 2025.

The visit, which was facilitated by Janice M. Bangoy, Senior Science Research Specialist of the university, aimed to enhance student learning and explore potential collaborations in food technology education.

The CFCST team, led by CFCST faculty members Bai Puti O. Manslao and Lyrie Anne P. Gabini, with sixty BS Food Technology students, toured USM’s advanced laboratories, including the Science and Technology (S&T) Building, Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and Cacao Post-Harvest Processing Center.

Students observed real-time applications of equipment used in food processing, microbiology, and chemistry—components integral to their academic training. The tour also opened discussions for a potential Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two institutions for off-campus laboratory collaborations.

In an interview, Manslao lauded USM’s transparency and hospitality, noting the university’s openness in sharing best practices and its upgraded infrastructure.

“This tour helps us visualize what we need to provide our students, especially regarding laboratory standards and layouts. At CFCST, we try our best to meet those needs, but our current setup still has limitations. Seeing USM’s facilities firsthand gives us a clearer picture of what to aim for,” she said.

She also emphasized the value of the experience for students.

“Our students now have a concrete idea of how a fully functional lab looks and operates. It’s not just theory anymore—they’ve seen the equipment, the workflow, and the safety protocols in action,” she added.

The visit also served as a benchmarking activity following recommendations from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for the Food Technology program at CFCST.

“We wanted our planning team to see the standards expected in laboratory design and operations. That way, future upgrades in our institution will be more informed and aligned with national expectations,” Manslao explained.

The visit marks a significant step in strengthening academic and institutional ties between CFCST and USM, fostering shared goals in food technology education and research.