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GMC Maintains FSSC 22000 Certified Status! Dec 18, 2023 | GMC Stories, Featured Articles, GMC Highlights Share Share Post GMC successfully passed a comprehensive 3-day onsite surveillance audit of SGS Philippines, Inc. last November 29 to December 1, 2023 for FSSC 22000 Version 5.1 scheme. FSSC 22000 is one of the highest international food safety certification schemes given global recognition by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), a non-profit association of international industry experts committed to improving food safety along the value chain. FSSC Certificate from SGS Philippines valid until February 2026   GMC’s passing the intricate review and assessment of its Food Safety and Quality Management Systems not only confirms its consistent conformance to scheme requirements such as food safety hazard analysis, allergen management, food defense, food fraud prevention, and good hygiene practices, but also demonstrates top leadership commitment to drive its sustainability in supporting regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and business growth. This milestone maintained GMC’s position as one of the few industry key players with globally-recognized food safety system certification. This was made possible by the unwavering support of the Management, the Food Safety Team, our strategic partners, and all Genmillers. As GMC gears toward sustaining the certification with an upgraded version 6 of the FSSC 22000 scheme, GMC’s management and all employees continually commit to deliver safe and high-quality products and services to its loyal partners and to the community while cultivating a positive and proactive food safety and quality culture.

GMC debuts Food Safety and Quality Week Jun 13, 2024 | Featured Articles, GMC Highlights Share Share Post First of many — General Milling Corporation (GMC) marked June 3 to 7, 2024 as Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Week in observance of the World Food Safety Day (WFSD) on  June 7. Adopting this year’s WFSD theme, “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected”, GMC’s FSQ Week campaigns on raising awareness  on the importance of readiness and action towards unforeseen food safety emergencies, highlighting its own food safety and quality management systems programs and policies.  The celebration commenced on June 3 with a gathering of all department managers, members of the food safety team, and senior management at GMC Activity Center to mark the official opening of the week-long program. Engr. Parco expressing his full support of the week-long celebration during his opening speech During his opening speech, Engr. Toto Parco, company’s EVP and FSQMR, expressed the importance of being prepared for unexpected events that may compromise food safety and quality resulting in serious health risks and customer dissatisfaction. He added that GMC, as a customer-driven institution, has been prepared for the anticipated things to happen but should be more ready for the unknown. Genmillers should prioritize the safety, quality, and total satisfaction of its strategic partners to sustain the business, he further stated.  The speech was followed by an overview of the WFSD campaign by Miko del Rosario, IMS Jr. Manger, detailing the rationale behind the WFSD on June 7 and the run-through of FSQ Week 2024 schedules. Events composed of bulletin board design competition, various hybrid (virtual and face-to-face) seminars, and food safety race, to name a few. The ceremony concluded with an oath-taking led by the food safety team, and signing of the FSQ commitment wall by all attendees. Through this program, the organizing committee (IMS) and food safety team aim to inspire all employees in taking their part in producing safe and quality products that meet legal and customer standards, to instill a mindset of a food safety champion, and elevate the passion for a positive FSQ culture to greater heights.  Read the full highlights of events here  First of many — General Milling Corporation (GMC) marked June 3 to 7, 2024 as Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) Week in observance of the World Food Safety Day (WFSD) on  June 7. Adopting this year’s WFSD theme, “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected”, GMC’s FSQ Week campaigns on raising awareness  on the importance of readiness and action towards unforeseen food safety emergencies, highlighting its own food safety and quality management systems programs and policies.  The celebration commenced on June 3 with a gathering of all department managers, members of the food safety team, and senior management at GMC Activity Center to mark the official opening of the week-long program. Engr. Parco expressing his full support of the week-long celebration during his opening speech During his opening speech, Engr. Toto Parco, company’s EVP and FSQMR, expressed the importance of being prepared for unexpected events that may compromise food safety and quality resulting in serious health risks and customer dissatisfaction. He added that GMC, as a customer-driven institution, has been prepared for the anticipated things to happen but should be more ready for the unknown. Genmillers should prioritize the safety, quality, and total satisfaction of its strategic partners to sustain the business, he further stated.  The speech was followed by an overview of the WFSD campaign by Miko del Rosario, IMS Jr. Manager, detailing the rationale behind the WFSD on June 7 and the run-through of FSQ Week 2024 schedules. Events composed of bulletin board design competition, various hybrid (virtual and face-to-face) seminars, and food safety race, to name a few. The ceremony concluded with an oath-taking led by the food safety team, and signing of the FSQ commitment wall by all attendees. Through this program, the organizing committee (IMS) and food safety team aim to inspire all employees in taking their part in producing safe and quality products that meet legal and customer standards, to instill a mindset of a food safety champion, and elevate the passion for a positive FSQ culture to greater heights.    Read the full highlights of events here 

GMC Achieves FSSC 22000 version 5.1 Certification Feb 22, 2023 | GMC Stories, Featured Articles, GMC Highlights Share Share Post FSSC Certificate from SGS Philippines valid until February 2026 GMC is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved certified status with FSSC 22000 version 5.1 last February 13, 2023. FSSC 22000 is one of the  highest international food safety certification scheme given global recognition by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).  GMC passed two stages of comprehensive audits conducted last October 7-8 and December 1-2, 2022 by SGS Philippines Inc., after demonstrating conformity with the standards and exhibiting a positive food safety and quality culture. The FSSC 22000 system is based on the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points  (HACCP ), and a combination of local and international food safety standards, food defense and food fraud prevention programs, allergen management, and prerequisite programs for good hygiene practices, among others.  GMC achieved its first FSSC certification with version 4.1 in the year 2019.  The recent upgrade to version 5.1 is a testament to GMC’s continual commitment of making safe and quality products for its customers, and its strict adherence to the highest standards for food safety and quality. This significant achievement was made possible through the unwavering commitment and support of the top leadership,  and the collective efforts of the Food Safety Team, our strategic partners and All Genmillers! The GMC Food Safety Team together with SGS Auditors striked a pose after completing the Stage 2 audit last Dec 2, 2022 FSSC Certificate from SGS Philippines valid until February 2026 GMC is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved certified status with FSSC 22000 version 5.1 last February 13, 2023. FSSC 22000 is one of the  highest international food safety certification scheme given global recognition by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).  GMC passed two stages of comprehensive audits conducted last October 7-8 and December 1-2, 2022 by SGS Philippines Inc., after demonstrating conformity with the standards and exhibiting a positive food safety and quality culture. The FSSC 22000 system is based on the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP ), and a combination of local and international food safety standards, food defense and food fraud prevention programs, allergen management, and prerequisite programs for good hygiene practices, among others.  GMC achieved its first FSSC certification with version 4.1 in the year 2019.  The recent upgrade to version 5.1 is a testament to GMC’s continual commitment of making safe and quality products for its customers, and its strict adherence to the highest standards for food safety and quality. This significant achievement was made possible through the unwavering commitment and support of the top leadership,  and the collective efforts of the Food Safety Team, our strategic partners and All Genmillers! The GMC Food Safety Team together with SGS Auditors striked a pose after completing the Stage 2 audit last Dec 2, 2022

GMC’s Technical Department holds an ASF Awareness and Biosecurity talk to Silliman University’s College of Agriculture faculty and students Apr 16, 2024 | GMC Stories Share Share Post SU faculty and students pose with GMC team after the successful event The Technical Department of GMC held an informative seminar entitled “African Swine Fever Awareness Discussion and Biosecurity Talk” last Feb 21, 2024 at the Training Center of Scheide Farm, Silliman University.  The first part of the program focused on African Swine Fever or ASF awareness, led by GMC’s veterinary consultant Doc Jovelyn Pejana-Betia. This session aimed to educate the students and faculty on what ASF is, how the high mortality rate of the virus affects the farmers especially with repopulating, and what its impact is to our hog industry and economy. The students were especially interested in knowing the symptoms that manifests on the animals once they’re infected by the virus, and on how to prevent it from entering the farm.  IMS Manager Miko Del Rosario discussing Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) to the attendees The second half of the program was led by GMC’s IMS Manager Miko del Rosario and focused on the importance of biosecurity in farms. He discussed the Good Agricultural Husbandry Practices, which encompasses topics about proper animal  housing and hygiene, importance of maintaining an accurate farm record, and the biosecurity measures to prevent and control disease outbreak inside the farm.  Dean Edwin Cubelo of SU College of Agriculture awarding the certificate of appreciation to Dr. Jovelyn Pejana-Betia (left photo) and Mr. Miko del Rosario (right photo) Students who attended the workshop gained valuable knowledge on ASF prevention and effective farm management practices. The workshop continues to be a part of GMC and Silliman University’s commitment for technical and academic collaboration.

GMC-Cebu Coastal Clean-Up Movement yields 200 sacks of trash Oct 10, 2023 | Internal Announcements, CSR Stories Share Share Post   Cebu GenMillers gathered once again last June 10, 2023 for the Coastal Clean-Up movement at the Mactan Bridge, Brgy. Pajo. Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Support groups and partners from the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime-Police and volunteers from Brgy. Pajo also joined the activity.  The said activity aims to raise awareness on the preservation of marine life through environmental sanitation. This lives up to GMC’s core values which is “malasakit” to the environment, especially in the area where it operates. According to the report of Engr. Francis Dave Doblas, GMC Pollution Control Officer, about 200 sacks were filled with assorted trashes during the activity

Stress in the Workplace Learning Session, a Healthy Workplace Initiative of GMC Cebu Oct 13, 2023 | Internal Announcements Share Share Post   To raise mental health awareness in the workplace, GMC Cebu held a learning session with the topic, “Stress in the Workplace” last July 7, 2023 via a hybrid set-up. The learning session introduced simple and easy “to-do instructions” for the mind and body to cope from stress.  Mr. Santaner “Santy” T. Iray, a leadership and performance coach who worked as the Chief Trainer of Drug Check Philippines with focus on Mental Health, conducted the 3-hour fun-filled session. A total of 112 employees (40 – via face-to-face, 72 – via virtual) participated the activity.

Luzon GenMillers Team Building 2024 Jun 27, 2024 | GMC Stories Share Share Post   June 7, 2024 was marked as a significant day for Luzon GenMillers as they embarked on a transformative journey to strengthen bonds through the annual company team-building. Blue Coral Beach Resort in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas, was chosen as the perfect venue for this event. The day began with excitement as the team assembled at the beachfront for their anticipated team-building activities. GenMillers was split into four teams, and each actively demonstrated their team spirit through lively cheers and chants.   One of the highlights of the day was the series of team challenges. These outdoor and indoor activities required effective communication, creativity, and collaboration. Amidst the structured activities, GenMillers also enjoyed moments of relaxation, food, and bonding. These casual instances fostered unity and camaraderie. Subsequent to the activities, GenMillers gathered for the award ceremony. The Green Team celebrated their dominance as they secured first place with an impressive performance throughout the event. Following closely behind was the Black Team in 2nd, the White Team in 3rd, and the Yellow Team in 4th place. In addition to the team awards, individual achievements were also acknowledged. The “Early Bird” awards recognized punctuality, and the titles of “Mr. and Ms. Freshness 2024” were bestowed upon those who exuded a vibrant presence throughout the event. As the day drew to a close, a sense of accomplishment and amity permeated the air. The lessons learned and memories created during the team building will undoubtedly resonate in daily interactions and contribute to a collective success.

Silliman University Students Tour GMC Feed Milling Plant and Feed QA Laboratories On November 17, 2023, a group of 15 senior students and 2 faculty members from the College of Agriculture of the Silliman University ventured from their classrooms to join an educational tour of GMC’s QA Feed Laboratory and Feed Milling plant.   The goal of the Feed Milling Plant tour was to provide SU’s College of Agriculture students a first-hand view of how animal feed products are made, the processes involved in their production, the equipment used, and how we ensure the safety and quality of raw materials and finished goods. GMC Operations Team present detailed steps of the feed milling process. Before starting, the GMC team gave the excited and curious students an informative and lively briefing on the theories that established the framework for the tour. The preliminary discussions focused on the step-by-step processes in producing feeds, the meticulous evaluation of QA on raw materials and finished products, the vital roles of animal nutritionists, and the variety of high-performing feed products offered by GMC. To ensure personnel safety prior to the tour, the group was provided a safety briefing and made to wear proper Personal Protective Equipment. The discussions were further appreciated by the students and faculty when they finally visited the QA Feed Laboratories. They gained more insights on the principles and the processes of each analysis done by the Quality Assurance Team to ensure the safety and quality of both raw materials and finished goods. The students were also able to see the actual lab equipment and instruments being used, and how each type of test was being done to ensure regulatory requirements and customer specifications were met. GMC Operations Team present detailed steps of the feed milling process. GMC’s highly automated production process and equipment shown to the students and faculty of Silliman University. The group then proceeded to the production area where the students were given the opportunity to see first-hand how raw materials were being processed into semi-finished and finished feed products. The group was exposed to both theory and onsite viewing of basic feed milling core processes and equipment used for reduction, mixing, liquid addition, conditioning, sanitation, pelleting, cooling, packing, and palletizing. They were shown how all these were process-controlled to efficiently make safe and nutritionally balanced feed products. Throughout the process, the importance of Food Safety and Biosecurity was highlighted, as well as the important role GMC plays in ensuring farm poultry and swine animals in the Visayas and Mindanao are fed safe and nutritious feed products. Mr. Joselito Fausto F. Parco, GMC’s Executive Vice-President, sums it all up: “The continued technical collaboration and commitment of both GMC and Silliman University will certainly be of great help in expanding learning opportunities for students whose enhanced competencies will nurture a new generation of animal scientists whose focus would be on feed safety, quality  and sustainability.”