PROF. MARIA CRISPINA P. BALTAZAR
RCFSQA Director
Regional Center for Food Safety and Quality Assurance
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The RDESys Integrated Databank System is now live! Experience the future of data management. The Call for BU-Funded Research and Development Proposals is now open until May 15, 2025 . Submit thru the RDESys-ProMIS: Proposal Management Information System. Click Submit Now!
About Us
The Regional Center for Food Safety and Quality Assurance operates under the Office of the Vice President for Research Development and Extension of Bicol University. The center is primarily a research facility on food-related products, creating innovative technology and product development for international markets. The center is a food laboratory testing service provider for researchers, local food manufacturers, and other stakeholders producing high-quality and reliable biochemical data compliant with regulatory standards.
I.2. Guiding Principles
The BU Regional Center for Food Safety and Quality Assurance (RCFSQA) was conceptualized to address the need for support services for food industries in the region. Its core functions include the conduct of research, provision of expert services to stakeholders and capability building. The center is committed to delivering quality work for its mandates.
The Seven Guiding Principles of RCFSQA
- The Center shall uphold the core values of the University, that is, scholarship, leadership, service and character, in performing its mandates;
- The Center shall support research endeavours of the university and the community by providing adequate laboratory services compliant to regulatory standards;
- The center shall deliver high- quality food laboratory testing services, expert interpretation, and efficient results reporting to effectively support food manufacturing industries;
- The center is dedicated to continuous quality improvement in our services and is committed to the highest levels of testing proficiency and standardization;
- The center believes in trust, respect, and honesty, placing high value on accessibility, collaboration, open communication, clear decision making, and individual accountability;
- The center shall provide safe and secure working environment not only as an obligation to meet regulatory standards but a commitment to protect personnel, the community and the environment; and
- The center shall adhere to the principles and guidelines of the University in performing its mandates in research and extension.
I.6. Functions
- Conduct research on the food safety and quality assurance of Bicol exportable products;
- Initiate collaborative research programs participated by the different higher education institutions and agencies for the improvement of local food products;
- Provide efficient food laboratory services for researchers, students, food-related MSMEs, and other industry partners based on standards;
- Serve as a university showcase of laboratory activities that deliver high-quality laboratory services with a safe and secure working environment for students and educational institutions in the region;
- Provide food-safety-related training, workshops, and seminars for interested individuals and institutions; and
- Review and monitor RDE undertakings under the disciplinal coverage of the Center.
Vision and Mission
I.3. Vision Statement
A leading provider for food safety and quality assurance research, laboratory services, and training in the country with fully equipped laboratories, manned by properly trained technical staff dedicated in producing high quality and reliable biochemical data compliant with regulatory standards.
I.4. Mission Statement
Undertake research to produce innovative technologies; build market confidence on local food products for exports thru provision of high-end laboratory services; and build a pool of science experts by training academic and science personnel.
Sections
VII.3.a. Research Section
- Conduct researches on the food safety and quality assurance of Bicol Exportable Products
- Perform research to produce innovative technologies and to find new methods for analyses of materials
- Initiate collaborative research programs participated by the different higher education institutions and agencies for the improvement of local food products
- Supports research undertakings of faculty, students, industry, and agency partners on food safety and quality assurance
VII.3.b. Laboratory Service Section
- Provide efficient laboratory services compliant to regulatory standards for researchers, students, food related SMEs, and other industry partners
- Adhere to the Center’s guiding principle to deliver high- quality testing services, efficient reporting of results and management of data generated; and continuous quality improvement of services
- Ensure a safe and secure working environment for personnel, community and the environment
- The BU RCFSQA Laboratories is not engaged in any activity that might influence its technical judgment. The laboratory is not committed to any commercial, financial or other pressure provided by any particular organization that could influence its technical judgment or affect its competencies and trust
VII.3.c. Training Section
- Identify, formulate and oversee food safety and quality assurance – related trainings, workshops and seminars designed for interested individuals and institutions
- Assist SME’s to improve their processes, quality of product, and technical skills of employees
- Provide quality, cost-effective food- related training designed to give development opportunities that enhance knowledge, develop skills and enrich the personnel technical skills
- Enhance the capability of the center as a research, laboratory service and training facility in response to the needs towards food safety and quality assurance of Bicol products
Programs and Projects
Food Safety Research in Action: Hands on Training for Senior HIgh Explorers
May 27, 2024
Workshop on the Use of Analytical and Microbiological Equipment for Food Safety Researchers
December 5-6, 2025
FOOD SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF SMOKED FISH FROM CAMARINES NORTE, BICOL, PHILIPPINES
Project Title: Quality and Safety Management of Dehydrated Pili (Canarium ovatum) Kernels
Project Title: Pilot Study on the Quantification of Mesoplastics, Micro-plastics and Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria in the Coastal Waters, Sediments and Selected Commercially Important Bivalves and Crabs of Sorsogon Bay
This project investigates the presence and type of microplastics that can be found in the water column, sediments, bivalves and crabs caught within Sorsogon Bay. As a pilot and rapid study, only one site in Sorsogon Bay was considered. Sampling site for water and sediments was at Brgy. Cambulaga, Sorsogon City, where there are also several green mussel (tahong) farms and where crabs are also caught abundantly.
Meso and microplastics are also hypothesized as possible vehicles for pathogenic microorganisms such as the species of Vibrio which is of public health significance. One of the studies looked into this and the presence of culturable antimicrobial resistant vibrios.
Results of this project are envisioned to help in intensifying the campaign on proper waste management and segregation which could greatly impact the health of our bodies of water and ultimately the natural resources. In the context of Sorsogon Bay fisheries, lessening microplastic pollution or infiltration in vulnerable food sources will redound to food safety and food security.
Key Program Concerns
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Contact Us
Higher Education Regional Research Center, Legazpi City, Albay
buovprde@bicol-u.edu.ph
facebook.com/BURDE1977
