Launch in Mambusao, Capiz
By nrcp_admin1 · 176 views · October 23, 2026 · Features, General Posts, News and Updates
Mambusao, Capiz — The Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), through its Research and Development Leadership (RDLead) Program, has supported Capiz State University (CapSU) in expanding its research capacity with the launch of new food safety and innovation facilities on 29 September 2026. The initiative strengthens quality assurance for local seafood processors and agricultural innovators.
Officials and representatives from DOST-NRCP, DOST-PCIEERD, DOST Western Visayas, CapSU, WVCIEERD, and the local governments of Mambusao and Capiz at the inauguration of CapSU's new research facilities.
New facilities
The event marked the opening of two facilities:
- QualiSafe Lab (Food Quality and Safety Laboratory for Seafoods and Other Innovative Products)
- i-Lab ProMaTech (Innovations Laboratory for Process Machinery and Related Technology Development)
CapSU also formalized the Machinery, Agricultural Technology Engineering Center (MATEC) as a research and development (R&D) hub for agriculture and fisheries.
The QualiSafe Lab was developed following CapSU's 2021 engagement with the DOST-NRCP RDLead Program, led by RD Leader Dr. Ricardo P. Babaran. With guidance from the program, the university secured funding in 2023 from the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) Institutional Development Program.
Laboratory equipment inside the QualiSafe Lab at CapSU.
Support for local producers
"As long as there are teams willing to work and confront the problems facing society, there is a chance for these issues to be reduced," Dr. Babaran said, noting that such efforts show communities' capacity to address national challenges.
NRCP Supervising Science Research Specialist Ms. Christine V. Bandong reaffirmed the council's support, citing the success of the RDLead partnership and expressing optimism for CapSU's future R&D initiatives.
The QualiSafe Lab can analyze both physicochemical characteristics and microbiological properties of food products, providing local producers with access to essential safety testing.
Left photo: QualiSafe Lab Project Leader Dr. Marife R. Hilapad tours the stakeholders and guests inside the laboratory facilities. Right photo: (From left to right) RD Leader Dr. Ricardo P. Babaran, NRCP Supervising SRS Ms. Christine V. Bandong, PSTO Capiz Director Ms. Juafe M. Abareles, and NRCP-RDLead Project Senior Technical Specialist Mr. Marfy H. Lita during the launch of QualiSafe Lab.
Food safety for the seafood capital
"Since Capiz is the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, we envision contributing directly to the promotion of food safety, especially in developing safe, nutritious, and wholesome products from our local seafood harvest," said Dr. Marife R. Hilapad, project leader of QualiSafe Lab.
Through the RDLead Program, DOST-NRCP continues to strengthen the R&D capabilities of higher education institutions and other research organizations by providing technical assistance and leadership support. The partnership with CapSU reflects this commitment to developing institutional research capacities that respond to local needs and drive regional development.
(Vince Estella Balahan, S&T Media Service)
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