400 MSMEs benefit from DOST program

AROUND 400 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Cordillera region have so far benefitted from the business upgrading program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) called Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

DOST regional director Nancy Bantog said the number of SETUP enterprises in the region increases by about eight enterprises per province yearly.

The SETUP aims to improve an enterprise's existing products, services, operations, and enhance productivity and competitiveness.

“They can be assisted to help boost their productivity and competitiveness through Science and Technology Innovation (STI),” Bantog said.

For 2018, DOST has allotted P39 million for the implementation of the program, which includes capability training and loan for those wanting to upgrade or purchase technologies.

"In Cordillera, 50 percent of the firms that availed of the SETUP program is in the food industry, second is metals and engineering firms,” Bantog noted.

Before, the furniture industry ranked second, but with the selective harvesting of natural forests products, fewer Cordillerans are engaging in the said industry, she said.

The DOST official said SETUP as a nationwide strategy to encourage MSMEs to adopt technological innovations and develop new products and establish or sustain market niches.

Among the assistance provided under SETUP are: infusion of appropriate technologies to improve/develop products, services and/or operations; human resource training, technical assistance, and productivity consultancy services; design and execution of functional packages and labels; assistance for compliance to regulatory and market standards, including testing services; and provision of financial assistance to facilitate acquisition of appropriate technologies.