THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is offering its help to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to improve the packaging and labelling of their products to make them more competitive once the Asean integration goes into full swing.

DOST-Cordillera artist-designer Ramiel Lagaban said the agency will provide MSMEs with seminars, training and technical assistance on packaging and labeling.

Interested MSMEs and other DOST-Cordillera cooperators just need to forward their request through the DOST Provincial S&T centers, Lagaban said.

Last year, the agency's in-house designers and on-the-job trainees prepared 74 label designs for 65 firms in the region, he said.

Fifteen of the MSMEs were from Abra, seven from Apayao, 10 from Baguio City, eight each from Benguet and Ifugao, 15 from Kalinga and 11 from Mountain Province. (Carlito Dar)