THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Negros Occidental is accepting proposals from enterprises interested to avail of P18 million worth of assistance under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Set Up) this year.
Glady Reyes, science research specialist II of DOST-Negros Occidental, said on Tuesday that seven companies will be able to avail of the program’s Innovation System Support Fund (ISSF) intended for facility upgrading.
She said they will wait for other proposals until the deadline in June, but since these will still be evaluated and funds are limited, firms are urged to submit as soon as possible.
“Upgrading of equipment enables local enterprises to boost production income generation by improving their packaging and product quality,” Reyes said, adding that information and communications technology (ICT) companies are also encouraged to apply as long as they meet the requirements.
ICT is identified as priority sector by the DOST and Regional Development Council. Others include furniture, processed food, metals and engineering, gifts, handicrafts and decors, agriculture and marine aquaculture, and pharmaceuticals and health products.
In 2017, the DOST allotted P12.6 million in SET UP assistance that benefited six firms in the province.
Under the program guidelines, recipient-enterprises should have been existing for at least three years in the manufacturing industry authorized by the Department of Trade and Industry and with necessary permits from the local government unit.
The application process includes submission of audited financial statement and technology and project implementation sheet. Recipients will undergo technology needs assessment.
Qualified enterprises should also submit a quarterly report or project information sheet to determine if it has generated jobs and improved the product quality and sales.
In terms of payment, enterprises are given a one-year grace period before the start of payment within three years.
The DOST categorizes enterprises according to asset size – micro if the asset is P3 million and below; P3 million to P15 million for small; and P15 million and above for medium scale enterprises.
The financial assistance will not depend on the scale, but on the need of the enterprise.
Reyes said interested enterprises may inquire through the DOST Provincial Office at Cottage Road in Bacolod City.
The agency has yet to discuss among these firms their technology needs and concerns before the submission of proposals, she added. (EPN with reports from PNA)