Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Dr. Samuel A. Zacate recently met with Tuguegarao Mayor Maila Ting-Que to discuss the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the Bigyan-Halaga, Bangon Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises (BBMSME) Program.

The BBM MSME program aims to assist local entrepreneurs by raising their awareness and teaching them good manufacturing practices, enabling them to adhere to the technical and safety requirements of the FDA. The challenge for many small businesses lies in their limited technical and financial capacity, or simply lack of knowledge about the FDA requirements.

“The FDA recognizes the specific needs of small and medium businesses. It supports entrepreneurs, encourages the establishment of MSMEs and ensures their continued viability and growth,” said Zacate. “At the same time, we sustain the FDA’s mission, quality policy, and objectives.”

These objectives include ensuring the FDA’s monitoring and regulatory coverage over establishments and products under its jurisdiction; enhancing industry and consumer confidence in the regulatory system; and helping achieve economic growth and development by promoting fair trade practices and sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade.

“The collective mindset is to aspire for growth that is more inclusive so that all Filipinos, including the poor, are given opportunities to participate in the growing economy. Critical to that is the success in generating high-quality jobs and raising productivity,” said Zacate.

While in Tuguegarao, Zacate joined First Lady Marie Louise Araneta Marcos at the launch of her LAB for ALL Caravan at the Cagayan Coliseum.

The program provided free medical consultations to about 4,800 patients. Close to 400 prescription glasses were distributed post-eye examinations, and over 500 patients had dental work done. Additionally, more than 5,000 laboratory tests were completed, covering various areas such as blood chemistry, hematology, minor surgeries, and medications.

Zacate thanked the dedicated healthcare professionals and government agencies who have been consistently helping with the program.