GOVPH

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Seven (7) Micro-Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in North Cotabato Province were approved to avail of the DOST-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOST XII OIC-RD Engr. Sammy Malawan, CESE, and the seven (7) proponents took place at the Provincial S&T Office in Kidapawan City today, 26 October 2020.

An orientation on the provisions of MOA was also conducted wherein OIC-RD Engr. Malawan expressed his high hopes towards the commitment of each and every proponent for the successful implementation of the program in spite of the current pandemic.

Proposal-driven, SETUP is DOST’s technology transfer and commercialization program designed to assist MSMEs in adopting technological innovations to improve their products, services, operations, and boost their productivity and competitiveness.

Approved project proposals with the corresponding name of the firm and address which will be granted the Innovation System Support Fund (ISSF) are the following:

1. Acquisition of Hi-frequency Electro-Welded Press Machine and Welding Machine in Aid of Upholstery Project / Dodo Upholstery Shop. Saguing, Makilala, Cotabato

2. Technology Upgrading of 3P Pottery/ Mt. Apo Potters Association, Elusfa- Paco, Kidapawan City

3. Technology Upgrading of Ice Cream Production for the people of North Cotabato/ Sweetie Ivy Ice Crea, Saguing, Makilala, Cotabato

4. Technology Upgrading of Mico Agriventures Inc. / Mico Agri-Ventures Inc Gubatan, Magpet, Cotabato

5. Technology Enhancement of Suarez Furniture Shop / Suarez Furniture National Highway cor. Riverpark Road, Kidapawan City

6. Technology Enhancement of Siopao Processing Plant / Wow Siopao, Tulunan, Cotabato

7. Upgrading of Dr. Alfred Essentials Laboratory and Equipment / Dr. Alfred Essentials Brgy. Birada, Kidapawan City

Moreover, SETUP is DOST’s complete package of assistance aimed at addressing technical problems and improve productivity and efficiency thru the application of new and appropriate technologies and processes; provision of training and human resource development; advisory and consultancy services; packaging and labeling; engineering, layout and plant design services; equipment design, specifications and acquisition; and product standards and testing.

Priority sectors include Food Processing; Health and Wellness; Metals and Engineering; Aquamarine, Agriculture, and Horticulture; Furniture and Fixtures; Gifts, Decors, and Handicraft (GDH); Energy and Environment as well as ICT: Software, Animations, Electronics/ Microelectronics.

“We look forward to encouraging more MSMEs to avail of DOST XII interventions. Soon, we will have SETUP Proponents per municipality all over the province, “ Provincial Director Michael Mayo said.