The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. encourages micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to collaborate with DOST, particularly in utilizing science, technology, and innovation to boost entrepreneurship.

“Science and business are being merged. Sa ating mga MSMEs, magpa-SETUP na kayo kasi tiyak kikita kayo, hindi kayo “upset,” magiging masaya kayo,” shared Sec. Solidum during the opening of 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration held at Veranza Mall Atrium in General Santos City.

[“Science and business are being merged. To our MSMEs, participate in our SETUP [program] because surely you will gain profit, you won’t be upset, and you’ll be happy,” Sec. Solidum added.]

He also mentioned that the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) has empowered many MSMEs, resulting in significant growth from 2021 to 2023. With 728 industries and MSMEs being assisted, it generated over 161.8 million pesos and led to an increase in job creation in the region.

Sec. Solidum concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the public sector, private enterprises, academic institutions, and, most importantly, the communities to ensure that innovations are inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.

Turnover of SETUP and CEST Projects to Communities

As part of the opening program, DOST Region XII awarded certificates of ownership to graduates of the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) who availed and paid the financial assistance from DOST.

Among the 20 awardees, Dr. Alfred’s Essentials Incorporated was recognized as the best SETUP adopter in the region for its project entitled, “Further Expansion of Current Processing of Mangosteen and Other Fruit Juice Products, Paving the Way Toward Semi-Completion of Laboratory Setup.” Winners from each province in the region were also awarded.

Meanwhile, DOST Region XII also acknowledged new Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) projects. This year’s Regional Best CEST Community award went to the rural community of M’lang, which received 200,000 pesos in cash.

The Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology (CEST) are programs implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its regional offices, aimed at providing science and technology interventions to MSMEs and communities.

The awarding ceremony was followed by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Startup Innovation Consortium to Accelerate Development in SOCCSKSARGEN (SICAD-SOX) and the launching of the region’s ecosystem development plan. SICAD-SOX aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem and foster an innovative entrepreneurial culture in the region through strategic partnerships.

The program concluded with an elegant KatHABI fashion show, held in partnership with the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), which showcased Philippine Tropical Fabrics. The event featured local Filipino designers and their locally sourced, sustainable textiles.

This year’s theme for the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in SOCCSKSARGEN was "Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, Panatag na Kinabukasan – Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities in the Green Economy," highlighting symposiums and forums on bamboo technologies, textile trainings, and more.

For more information on the discussions and training sessions, please visit the official Facebook page of DOST Region XII for full streaming videos: https://www.facebook.com/dostregion12. (By Kesha Shua V. Leosala, DOST-STII)