CITE Technical Institute, Inc. (CITE), in partnership with the AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), has begun the company assessment and validation of 76 Seafood Plant Assistant (SPA) learners as they move toward earning the Basic Qualification Certificate (BQC) under the CCCI Assessment, Certification, and Accreditation Services (ACAS) through the FISH Visayas Project.
From June 30 to July 2, 2026, CITE, together with industry experts, conducted validation visits to partner companies where the learners completed their workplace training. The participating companies include ASO Philippines Inc., Profood International Corp., Treasure Island Packaging Corp. (iPAK), Siargao’s Bounty Seafoods Corp., Central Seafoods, Inc., Foodphil Corp., Monde Nissin, and Matluster Corporation.
The company validation forms an important component of the certification process, contributing 20% of the learners’ overall ACAS assessment. Assessors evaluated each training company based on six key criteria:
- Conducive training environment
- Availability of equipment and tools
- Quality of workplace learning opportunities
- Effectiveness of training supervision
- Compliance with safety and work practices
- Development of professional work attitudes
Supporting the assessment process is a panel of respected industry experts composed of Engr. Edgar Watin, Engr. Bonifacio Javier, Raymond Morales, Noel Baulita (Central Seafoods, Inc.), Rickfel Cayon (Siargao’s Bounty Seafoods Corp.), and Bryan Araneta (AFOS Foundation–Philippines).
Following the site validations, the 76 learners will proceed to the Panel Interview and Oral Questioning on July 11 and 18, 2026, where they will demonstrate their technical knowledge, workplace competencies, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills before the certification panel.
The initiative reflects CITE’s continuing commitment to producing industry-ready graduates through strong partnerships with industry and development organizations. By combining classroom instruction, workplace learning, and competency-based assessment, CITE ensures that its learners meet recognized industry standards and are well prepared for employment in the seafood processing and manufacturing sectors.
The Assessment, Certification, and Accreditation Services (ACAS) is an initiative of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in collaboration with the AFOS Foundation, implemented through the FISH Visayas Project with support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The program strengthens workforce competitiveness by validating industry-relevant competencies and helping bridge the skills gap in the Visayas’ marine and food processing industries.