Through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the Department of Science and Technology 10 (DOST 10) approved projects with 25 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the first half of 2024.
In a Ceremonial Turnover of SETUP-funded Projects and MOA Orientation held via Zoom on July 09, 2024, 25 business owners from the five provinces of Northern Mindanao were awarded funding for technological upgrades to improve their businesses’ productivity and competitiveness.
In its mission to utilize science and technology for maximum economic and social benefits for the people, DOST, through SETUP, is helping these MSMEs to adopt modern technology to improve their products, services, and operations.
The 25 MSMEs supported are aligned with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s priorities, as stated in his 8-point socio-economic agenda.
Ten of DOST 10’s MSME partners are aligned with PBBM’s agenda on Food for All, which aims to increase productivity in the agriculture sector through modernization and value chain development. Among the MSMEs, The agricultural enterprises that received support from DOST were: Campo Ricarte Agritourism Park, Sa Kabukiran Nut Food Processing, The Ton Agribusiness OPC, Anitu Forest Food Processing, Abellanosa Agricultural Learning Site, Greenleafy Hydroponic Farm, Fu Dalu Agricultural Products Trading, Golden Star Poultry Farm, Elvie S. Bantilan Rice Mill, and AGRICOM Zamboanga Inc.
Greenleafy Hydroponic Farm proprietor, Mr. Alpha G. Jalagat, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I just want to thank DOST Region 10 and DOST Camiguin for this wonderful opportunity and assistance. As a young farmer, the technology from DOST is very helpful to our farm. Engaging in new farming methods and using the tower gardens maximizes the production rate and increases the crop supply on our island.”
DOST encourages innovation in the food sector to produce higher value but affordable products, as explained in the innovation agenda of the Philippine Development Plan. With this, the agency also supported ten MSMEs in the food sector. namely: Spring Ayahay Cafe, Riley’s Cafe, Judicar Cakes and Snacks Center, Inang’s Food Products, Granel’s Meat Shoppe, 3C’s Sweet-Treats Snack Bar, Arabigo Coffee Roastery, Camp Sawi Restaurant, Fire Star Dream Concoctions, and Storehouse Food Products.
To support the manufacturing and creative sector, four projects were assisted and these are: FRF Furniture Shop, Seabreeze Machine Shop, Joreens Metal Fabrication Services, and Tic-Q Machine Shop.
To promote renewable energy, Green Planet Renewable Energy is assisted.
Over the years, the SETUP program has evolved through various implementation phases to stay responsive to the changing needs of MSMEs. Launched in 2002, SETUP has offered a broad range of science and technology solutions tailored to address the specific challenges MSMEs face.
In 2018, SETUP transitioned to SETUP 2.0 to build on its successes despite MSMEs encountering significant challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of Industry 4.0. Consequently, the program progressed to SETUP 4.0 in 2021. SETUP 4.0 aims to spearhead technological advancements crucial for MSMEs.
To learn more about DOST SETUP, message or call the DOST SETUP hotline at 0917-857-9285 or our official Facebook page, DOST 10. (Joshua Robin/DOST 10)
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