The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has provided P3 million worth of aid to MJ Printing Services, first local manufacturer of biodegradable plastics in Caraga Region.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the DOST-Caraga, through the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of Agusan del Norte, released the funds for the firm’s acquisition of advanced film and cutting machines. The DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) funded the project.
“The equipment shall address the technological gaps and eventually increase the overall productivity and capacity of the business operation,” he said during his weekly report on Friday, Nov. 12.
He said aside from equipment upgrading, the firm will also be enrolled to the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) and other suitable S&T services.
Based in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte, MJ Printing Services is owned and managed by a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW), Merry Sol C. Hoss.
De la Peña cited that Hoss strongly advocates for 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) and environmental responsibility.
“Since 2018, the firm has been providing durable and biodegradable plastic sando bags to its customers from the municipality of Magallanes, Cabadbaran City, Butuan City and other neighboring municipalities,” he said.
MJ Printing Services collects/buys plastic wastes from the households and its neighboring communities at a minimum rate per kilo. The firm processed these materials and turned them into recycled sando bags.