THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrade (Setup), has released P768,884 assistance for equipment and productivity upgrades to a herbal medicine firm in Zamboanga del Norte.
DOST Regional Director Martin Wee said the beneficiary of the financial assistance is the Green Nature Herbal Products in Zamboanga del Norte.
Wee said the funds will be used to purchase a 10,000-piece per hour capacity capsulizing machine, a 12-tray 50 kilogram capacity tray dryer, and a 25-kilogram per hour grain grinder.
Wee said the firm's flagship product is "Diacure," herbal capsules that intend to alleviate the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus using Costus Igneus, commonly known as the Insulin plant, as its main ingredient.
He said that like most "natural" remedies, the supplement holds "No Approved Therapeutic Claim," but has nonetheless been sought after by numerous individuals, prompting the owner's need for production line upgrading.
Green Nature Herbal Products is owned and founded by Magellan Unla, a retired teacher and Diabetes Mellitus patient.
The medical condition prompted the 60-year-old to explore alternative remedies to reduce his intake of synthetic medicines.
Unla said in a statement he believes that his supplement can provide others the same benefits he has experienced, when paring regular intake of the product with a healthy lifestyle.
Unla said he has no longer needed Insulin shots, and has to date kept his Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) levels at a steady 70, in contrast to his days as Diabetes Mellitus patient, where FBS levels could reach well over 140.
Through the technologies, Unla expects to cover a wider market and help more diabetic patients like him through his product.
Setup is flagship program of the DOST helping micro, small and medium enterprises improve their productivity and boost competitiveness through adoption of science and technology interventions. (SunStar Zamboanga)