DOST aids coop to operate as oneSTore hub

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has assisted the Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CPMPC) become the first cooperative in Central Visayas to operate as a oneSTore hub.

The oneStore.ph is the first government-initiated e-commerce platform developed by DOST that caters to agency-assisted micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their target markets through online marketing and delivery services.

DOST Region 7 Director Edilberto Paradela said that various products from MSMEs in the region were displayed at the CPMPC oneSTore hub including native chicharon, Guadalupe dried mangoes, nutritious assorted polvoron, and processed food products.

Paradela said that to ensure efficient customer service, oneSTore sellers are required to “respond to orders within 24 hours upon placement” of orders.

He added that as part of the support services, the goods purchased online through oneSTore.ph are being delivered to the customers by a logistics company tapped by DOST.

CPMPC chief executive officer Macario Quevedo stated that the establishment of the cooperative as a oneSTore hub would create more economic opportunities for its members, many of whom are small farmers, vendors, and fisher folks.

“By availing DOST services that will help improve their products and through oneSTore.ph, our coop members can boost profitability of their trades by widening their market base using the government’s online marketing tool,” Quevedo said during the kick off ceremony of CPMPC’s operation as oneSTorehub.

CPMPC’s operation as oneSTore hub officially started last Saturday in its office at corner Legaspi and V. Gullas streets, Cebu City.

The ceremony was led by Paradela, Quevedo, other coop officials and the proprietors and officers of DOSTassisted SMEs.