The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has granted P6 million worth of assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Luzon to adopt technological innovations in a bid to improve their products, services, operations, and increase their productivity and competitiveness.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said DOST-III provided the funding to six projects under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in Central Luzon for the month of May.
“The technologies that will be adopted by the beneficiaries include food processing technologies, thermal plate CTP (Computer-to-Plate) technology, biogas digester technology, pneumatic CHB (concrete hollow block)-making technology, and DOST-FNRI (Food and Nutrition Research Institute) enhanced Nutribun technology,” he said in a report.
The DOST chief said four provinces are expected to benefit from the approved SETUP projects.
“The project beneficiaries were from the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Zambales,”he said.
The signing of the memorandum of agreement was held on May 14.
“The SETUP Program helps improve the productivity and competitiveness of local entrepreneurs through the adoption of technology-based interventions.”
The DOST said SETUP enables MSMEs to address their technical problems and improve productivity and efficiency through:
-Infusion of appropriate technologies to improve products, services and/or operations
-Human resource training, technical assistance and consultancy services
-Design of functional packages and labels
-Assistance in the establishment of product standards including testing
-Database management system
-Provision of assistance for technology acquisition.
The priority sectors of the program are Food processing, Furniture, Gifts, housewares, decors, Agriculture/Marine/Aquaculture, Metals and engineering, and Others (including information and communications technology (ICT), pharmaceuticals and health products).