LeadSmart Ph and Tarlac Provincial Hospital Champion Food Safety, Conduct Free Training for Hospital Food Handlers

TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – In a significant move to uphold the highest standards of patient care, LeadSmart Ph, in collaboration with the Tarlac Provincial Hospital (TPH), successfully conducted a free basic food safety training for its food service workforce on September 4, 2025. The event, held at the Tarlac Provincial Hospital in San Vicente, Tarlac City, was designed to ensure the safety and quality of every meal served to patients, staff, and visitors.

The training is a direct response to the stringent food safety requirements mandated by RA 10611, also widely known as The Food Safety Act of 2013. This crucial legislation emphasizes the importance of proper training for all food handlers to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect public health, a mission of paramount importance within a hospital environment where patients may have vulnerable immune systems.

The seminar served as one of the essential Food Handling Courses for TPH’s Nutrition and Dietician Department. Attendees engaged in comprehensive lessons on critical topics, including:

Personal hygiene and health
Proper food preparation, storage, and holding temperatures
Cross-contamination prevention
Effective cleaning and sanitizing procedures as outlined in the Sanitation Code of the Philippines

To solidify their learning and assess their understanding, participants underwent a food safety practice test. This evaluation ensured that the theoretical knowledge gained could be effectively translated into daily food safety practices within the hospital’s kitchen and serving areas.

The event was graced by key officials from Tarlac Provincial Hospital, underscoring the institution’s commitment to this initiative. Ms. Anna Lea D. Quiamboa, RND, MPA-HM, Chief Dietitian of Tarlac Provincial Hospital and Mr. Japeth F. De Guzman, RND, FSCO, CFPM , A renowned expert in food safety, who knows the aspects of RA 10611 food safety requirements and proper food handling techniques.

Mr. De Guzman added, “This partnership with LeadSmart Ph allows us to fortify our first line of defense against foodborne diseases right here in our kitchen, Empowering food handlers with knowledge is the most effective strategy for compliance and safety. This training ensures that TPH’s staff are not just servers, but certified guardians of food safety.”

Upon successful completion of the course and passing the food handlers practice test, all participants were awarded a food safety training certificate. This certificate formally recognizes their competency and commitment to upholding the highest standards of hygiene and safety, as required by Philippine law.

This collaboration between LeadSmart.ph and Tarlac Provincial Hospital sets a commendable example for healthcare institutions across the region, demonstrating that patient safety is a holistic mission that begins long before a meal reaches the bedside.

About LeadSmart Ph:
LeadSmart Ph is a leading provider of specialized training and consultancy services in the Philippines, focused on elevating industry standards in food safety, leadership, and organizational compliance.

About Tarlac Provincial Hospital:
Tarlac Provincial Hospital is a government healthcare institution dedicated to providing quality and compassionate medical services to the community of Tarlac and its neighboring provinces.