Sunday, July 29, 2012

DOST offers new SET UP for MSMES needing to step–up
Rey Anthony Chiu 

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, July 29, 2012 (PIA) In a re-invigorated push to perk up Micro, Small and medium enterprises (MSME) which have been largely credited for breathing life to local economies, the government has showcased anew, a set-up that helps MSMES increase local production and a more appealing ground to compete in the global market. 

Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program – (SET-UP) is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small, medium enterprises to adopt technological innovations to improve their operations and boost productivity and competitiveness, explains Regional Director and Engr. Rene Burt Llanto of the local Department of Science and Technology (DOST). 

At the Kapihan sa PIA with Awarding Ceremonies and distribution of grants, the DOST, the government’s premier science and technology research agency revealed a set up that enables business firms to address technological problems through technology transfer and technological intervention, DOST Bohol Field Manager Marcial Tanggaan said. 

Such is to improve productivity through better product quality, human resource development, cost minimization, waste management and other activities related to production, added Engr Llanto. 

In Bohol, DOST set up has helped around 31 small and medium enterprises with some P16 million total grants, Llanto revealed. 

DOST’s first batch of grantees include Total woodkraft, Bohol Quality pastries, Jojies Food Manufacturing Industries, GIJ Foods, Kiddies Bake Hauz, Tessie’s Sweets and Pastries, Tienda Boholana, Bakeshop on the Rock, Delia pure tablea, STAIRS, Hermie’s metal and construction services. 

These investments have stepped up their set up with the DOST. 
Under the program, DOST helped these investments in their technology upgrading, product standards and testing, packaging and labeling, data base management and information system as well linkaging and networking. 

Linkaging and networking is by raw materials sourcing, marketing, technical entrepreneurial, financing, and equipment design and fabrication 

DOST set up is largely envisioned to support the critical role MSME which comprise about 99% of the country’s registered enterprises. 

The government pushed for the set up because MSME account for 53% of total employment generated by registered enterprises in the country. (30)

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