The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with various groups including the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for a project that aims to assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gear up for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe).
DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Pena explained the objective of the project,titled, “The Road to FIRe: MSMEs Upgrading to Digital Operations” thus: "Ang objective nito ay maihanda ang ating mga MSMEs sa digital operations. Kasi alam naman natin under our new environment napakahalaga po ng digital operations (The project objective is to prepare our MSMEs for digital operations. We all know how significant that is in our new environment)."
DOST's part in the project is to prepare the “Manufacturing Processes Survey” questionnaire that will be used to identify companies that could be used as pilot cases.
The Department will also assist qualified participant-companies to become FIRe-ready by providing S&T interventions through its existing programs and projects.
It also commits to collaborate with the other agencies in the conduct of information sessions on FIRe to PHILEXPORT members and provide DOST experts who can share knowledge and expertise during sessions.