DOST’s SETUP assists 50 Cordillera MSMEs in 2019

BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology, in recognition of the significant contribution of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in community development and the country’s economy, continues to prioritize the provision of assistance to MSMEs through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP.

DOST Benguet Provincial Science and Technology Director Sheila Marie Claver reported that for fiscal year 2019, SETUP has provided assistance to 50 projects in Cordillera with a total funding of around P46.82 million.

These SETUP – assisted projects are in Baguio – Benguet area with 10 and eight each in the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Mountain Province and Kalinga. SETUP is a banner program of DOST that assists MSMEs in recognition of their critical role in the economy.

It is a holistic approach which assistance include application of appropriate technologies; training and technical assistance; design and p a c k a g i n g / l a b e l l i n g ; compliance to regulatory and market standards such as testing and calibration services, and technology acquisition and/or implementation of technological innovations, Claver explained.

The SETUP programs focus on the priority sectors of food processing, furniture, GDH (gifts, decors and handicrafts), metals and engineering, ICT (Information and Communication Technology), Agriculture/ Marine/Aquaculture/forestry/ livestock, health and wellness products, Halal products and services and other identified regional industry priorities, she added.

For interested MSMEs to apply for SETUP, Claver disclosed that they can go to the nearest DOST Provincial S&T Center in their area so that they can be assisted for their technology needs assessment and preparation of project proposals.

For this year, DOST – CAR recently signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of SETUP projects with A’s Sparkling Delicacies Products and DSeoulistik Korean Food of Baguio City; Miljones Vegetable Farm from Kimros Iron Works from Benguet, and Sofia Hosea Printing Solutions, FBC Enterprises and KnJMeatshop and General Merchandise of Ifugao.

A MOA was also recently signed at the Mountain Province PSTC for the SETUP project with Eduardo’s Souvenir and Processed Food, and Shama Hardware and MV Arts and Sign with Kalinga PSTC.

For the province of Abra, SETUP projects approved and set for MOA signing are with Gladen’s Snack House, Alexandra’s Enterprise, Lexan’s Delicacies and Charry’sBreadshop.

From 2002 when SETUP was started up to 2018, the program has provided around P234.85 million to 482 MSMEs in the region.

JDP/CCD-PIA CAR

Amianan Balita Ngayon