The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has so far assisted more than 500 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the country amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang said the agency continued promoting the welfare and interest of local enterprises through the implementation of its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
He said for 2021 alone, 507 MSMEs were given aid, and some 3,000 workers were employed.
As of the flagship programs of the DOST, SETUP “was designed as a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist MSMEs and enable them to address their technical problems, streamline their operations, and improve productivity and efficiency, all by harnessing the power of science, technology, and innovation,” the DOST said.
To recognize the contributions and performance of the MSMEs, the DOST is set to hold on Nov. 23 at 1;30 p.m. the awarding ceremonies dubbed as “SETUP PRAISE Awards” during the virtual staging of the annual National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration.
“Chosen SETUP beneficiaries that have shown excellence amidst the challenges of the pandemic will receive this year’s awards: Most Productive, Most Resilient, Most Agile, Most Innovative, iReady Award, and the National Winner,” the DOST said.
The 2021 SETUP PRAISE Award for MSMEs Awarding Ceremonies will be attended by DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, Mabborang, DOST-NCR Regional Director Jose Patalinjug III, DOST-VIII Regional Director Ernesto Granada, and University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UPISSI) Director Melanie M. Moraga-Leano.
This year’s National Science and Technology Week anchored on the theme “Agham at Teknolohiya: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon” will be held virtually from Nov. 22 to 28.
“The celebration will highlight all the research and development (R&D) outputs as well as innovative products and services developed and offered by DOST agencies and regional offices that aim to help address the challenges brought about by the pandemic and climate change, among other societal concerns confronting the Filipino people,” the DOST said.