BUTUAN CITY— The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
recognizes the critical role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in
driving innovation, creating jobs and fostering economic growth through its Small
Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
SETUP is a key DOST strategy to stimulate investment in urban, peri-urban and
rural areas. The program has been adapted over the years to meet the changing
needs of MSMEs.
Under the program, assisted MSMEs can address technological challenges by
acquiring appropriate technologies and adopting DOST-generated systems and
other science and technology (S&T) interventions, such as consulting and training
services
DOST intervention has increased the firm’s workforce from 70 to 118 employees.
It now produces eight to 10 crates of plywood and 2,220 sheets of veneer per day.
The company has also acquired assets valued at an estimated PHP 15 million.
Through the DOST Regional Office in Caraga, the firm plans to establish a wood
specialization laboratory, which is expected to create further jobs and improve
regional economic development.
Archie Moreno, president of Villa Tuna Foods Corp., applied for SETUP
assistance to expand his business and create jobs for those affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic. The business is located in Butuan City.
Through the SETUP program, the company acquired a 3,000-kilogram reefer van,
reducing storage costs and improving capacity. Previously, the firm outsourced
storage to Gentech.
Today, the company operates eight branches across Mindanao, including two in
Butuan City. The Montalban branch alone has an estimated capitalization of PHP
2 million, reflecting the company’s growth and success.
The project visit to the two MSMEs was led by DOST Undersecretary for
regional operations Sancho Mabborang and DOST-Caraga regional director Noel
Ajoc.
The DOST said it is committed to supporting and encouraging MSMEs to adopt
new technologies and develop their entrepreneurial skills to improve operational
efficiency, increase productivity, and strengthen the competitiveness of their
products and services
Since 2022, it has assisted 9,612 firms and projects nationwide in food
processing, furniture, marine and aquatic resources, agriculture, pharmaceuticals,
ICT and electronics, gifts, housewares and decor, metals, and engineering.
The DOST programs, including SETUP and Community Empowerment through
Science and Technology (CEST), aim to generate 6,000 jobs in various priority
sectors across the country in 2024.
The department continuously invests in high-impact and sustainable programs
like CEST and the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) that
address national concerns. These programs align with research priorities in four
major areas: human well-being promotion, wealth creation, wealth protection and
sustainability.
BUTUAN CITY— The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
recognizes the critical role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in
driving innovation, creating jobs and fostering economic growth through its Small
Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
SETUP is a key DOST strategy to stimulate investment in urban, peri-urban and
rural areas. The program has been adapted over the years to meet the changing
needs of MSMEs.
Under the program, assisted MSMEs can address technological challenges by
acquiring appropriate technologies and adopting DOST-generated systems and
other science and technology (S&T) interventions, such as consulting and training
services.
SETUP helps MSMEs test products for compliance with international standards,
package and label products, and create and manage databases and information
systems. The program also connects MSMEs with national and international
organizations for raw materials, markets, training, financing, and equipment
design and fabrication.
A visit to two successful SETUP-assisted MSMEs in the Caraga Region — RM
Wood Product Industry and Villa Tuna Foods Corp.— exemplifies how these
firms leverage technological initiatives to generate local economic opportunities.
RM Wood Product Industry, owned by Rodolfo Pertacorta, applied for SETUP
assistance in 2022 to meet rising production demands and market growth.
DOST intervention has increased the firm’s workforce from 70 to 118 employees.
It now produces eight to 10 crates of plywood and 2,220 sheets of veneer per day.
The company has also acquired assets valued at an estimated PHP 15 million.
Through the DOST Regional Office in Caraga, the firm plans to establish a wood
specialization laboratory, which is expected to create further jobs and improve
regional economic development.
Archie Moreno, president of Villa Tuna Foods Corp., applied for SETUP
assistance to expand his business and create jobs for those affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic. The business is located in Butuan City.
Through the SETUP program, the company acquired a 3,000-kilogram reefer van,
reducing storage costs and improving capacity. Previously, the firm outsourced
storage to Gentech.
Today, the company operates eight branches across Mindanao, including two in
Butuan City. The Montalban branch alone has an estimated capitalization of PHP
2 million, reflecting the company’s growth and success
The project visit to the two MSMEs was led by DOST Undersecretary for
regional operations Sancho Mabborang and DOST-Caraga regional director Noel
Ajoc.
The DOST said it is committed to supporting and encouraging MSMEs to adopt
new technologies and develop their entrepreneurial skills to improve operational
efficiency, increase productivity, and strengthen the competitiveness of their
products and services.
Since 2022, it has assisted 9,612 firms and projects nationwide in food
processing, furniture, marine and aquatic resources, agriculture, pharmaceuticals,
ICT and electronics, gifts, housewares and decor, metals, and engineering.
The DOST programs, including SETUP and Community Empowerment through
Science and Technology (CEST), aim to generate 6,000 jobs in various priority
sectors across the country in 2024.
The department continuously invests in high-impact and sustainable programs
like CEST and the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) that
address national concerns. These programs align with research priorities in four
major areas: human well-being promotion, wealth creation, wealth protection and
sustainability.
