The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has continued assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, popularly known as “Highland Fresh” is among the SETUP beneficiaries of the program, seeks to improve the productivity and competitiveness of local entrepreneurs through the adoption of technology-based interventions.”
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the major milk company in Misamis Oriental has earned twice its regular profit after availing the program.
“Despite the pandemic, the company earned their highest gross sales amounting to about P64 million,” he cited in a report.
He said the company of consolidated small-scale dairy farmers has generated local employment to a total of 56 people, mostly men from their expanded market outlets across provinces in northern Mindanao.
“On top of providing livelihood and employment, Highland Fresh provides free milk to the frontliners, undernourished children, and cash assistance and food packs to the flood victims in Ormoc City, earthquake in Cotabato, and Marawi siege victims,” the DOST chief said.
Highland Fresh is a satisfied SETUP beneficiary and client of the DOST Misamis Oriental, he noted.
“With 278 percent increase of production efficiency and improved capacity through equipment upgrade and use of technological intervention, Highland Fresh also continues to bag more regional and national awards,” de la Peña said.
The SETUP program seeks to improve the productivity and competitiveness of local entrepreneurs through the adoption of technology-based interventions.”
The program 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
-Priority Sectors.
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).