8 Baguio–Benguet MSMEs get technology boost from DOST
By Carlito Dar
(Below left photo) DOST – CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog assures the committed support of DOST in bringing science for the development of the people and communities in Cordillera. (middle photo) Health 100 Restaurant Owner Elmer Macalingay shares his experiences as a DOST SETUP adoptor and on running his chain of restaurants. (right photo) DOST – CAR officials headed by Regional Director Nancy Bantog witnessed the MSMEs SETUP MOA signing. (CCD/PIA CAR)
BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – Eight Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to improve their productivity and the quality of their products as beneficiaries of the Department of Science and Technology’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP.
DOST – Cordillera Regional Director Nancy Bantog and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Angel Maguen with DOST Benguet Provincial S&T Center Director Sheila Marie Claver signed a memorandum of agreement for the SETUP implementation with the proprietors of the eight MSMEs at Paragon Hotel here last February 3.
The approved 2022 SETUP adoptors are N.P. Milo Machine Shop of Buguias Benguet; Tareeque Food Products Virac Itogon Benguet; Uptown Iron Works Tublay Benguet; Gaewen Vegetable Farm Mankayan Benguet; Denden’s Furniture and Handicraft Tadiangan Tuba Benguet; Agreach Products Corporation Asin Road Baguio City; Emma’s Special Food Manufacturing, Camp 7 Baguio City; Veckamps Printing Press Bakakeng Norte Baguio City.
Bantog congratulated these beneficiaries from Baguio – Benguet for being part of the increasing number of SETUP cooperators in Cordillera, and encouraged them to continue growing their business so that they can also help in the region’s progress.
“Our country recognizes the critical role of MSMEs in nation-building. In 2019, of the total 1,000,506 business enterprises in the country, 99.5% are MSME. Together, these MSMEs generated a total of 5,510,760 jobs or 62.4 percent of the country’s total employment,” she stressed.
For additional assistance, Bantog advised MSMEs to reach out to the Benguet PSTC for other DOST programs and services such as technical and consultancy services, trainings, forums, consultation marketing, laboratory analysis and packaging and labeling.
DOST’s SETUP aims to address the needs and requirements of the enterprises through technology and equipment upgrading, strengthening of innovation capability, increasing productivity and producing quality products that will ensure the viability and development of MSMEs.
A nationwide banner program of DOST since 2022, SETUP already benefitted 633 MSMEs in Cordillera including 84 MSMEs in Baguio City and Benguet with total funding of P372.8 million.
Denden’s Furniture and Handicrafts owner Joy Ann Bucasan, in a statement, expressed gratitude to the DOST as the initiative will truly improve their production and the quality of their products.
Under SETUP, Denden will get a 3 – in 1- machine (10 inches Jointer, 14 inches Thicknesser and 16 inches Circular Saw) and a Finishing Machine Set (compressor with spray gun) worth around P226, 200.
Meanwhile, to boost the MSMEs entrepreneurial skills, DOST – CAR invited 2020 Regional Best SETUP Adoptor awardee and Health 101 Restaurant owner Elmer Macalingay to give a testimonial talk and Ramiel Lagaban to give a presentation on DOST – CAR’s Packaging and Innovation Center located in La Trinidad, Benguet. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
