P23 million set aside for Science department’s program

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

A BUDGET of P23 million for this year has been allotted for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), specifically for the implementation of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The DOST-CAR is calling for interested micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to submit proposals under this banner program. This is on a first-come-first-served basis.

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The assistance is aimed to provide appropriate equipment for the firms’ production process, improvement of product packaging and labeling, and product standards and testing, among others.

Originally, industry sectors covered by the program only include food processing; furniture; gifts, toys, house wares, handicrafts, natural fibers and dyes; marine and aquatic resources; horticulture (cut flowers, fruits and high value crops); and metals and engineering. Since September 2011, however, ICT/electronics and health products and were added as priority sectors that can get the assistance.

Setup recognizes the critical role of MSMEs in generating employment, earning foreign exchange and stimulating growth and development particularly in the rural areas.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has refocused economic policies to support and sustain the growth of the manufacturing sector through the development of MSMEs as well as to expand domestic markets and assist MSMEs in penetrating non-traditional markets for sustained growth and competitiveness.

The program was continued and enhanced under the term of President Benigno Aquino III and DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, primarily to strengthen the goal of assisting MSMEs in the country especially since they need substantial support in terms of new technologies, technical manpower training, access to capital and markets, product standards and testing facilities, appropriate packaging and product labeling, sustainable raw material supply, access to information, and better/more efficient transport facilities.

The program, which was initiated in 2002, has so far assisted a total of 112 MSMEs in the region. Of the 112 MSMEs who availed themselves of the assistance, eight are from Abra, 11 from Apayao, 22 from Baguio City, 17 from Benguet, 22 from Ifugao, 17 from Kalinga, and 15 from Mountain Province.

Interested MSMEs are advised to visit the Urban/Provincial Science and Technology Centers in their respective provinces for more information regarding the program. Information may also be accessed through the Department’s website at www.dost.gov.ph. (Shai Singa-Claver)