The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1), through DOST-La Union, signed a partnership with Medmed Prints.
This marks the first innovation support project under the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) Program in La Union.
The collaboration, sealed through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), aims to empower overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by equipping them with technology-based solutions to build or enhance sustainable enterprises upon their return to the Philippines.
Medmed Prints, a customized digital printing business in Bagulin, La Union, is owned by Gemma Saldo, a former OFW who spent eight years in the Middle East’s hospitality sector.
Inspired by her overseas experience and the growing local demand for affordable, high-quality printing services, Saldo established Medmed Prints to offer personalized items such as mugs, T-shirts, vinyl stickers and invitation cards.
Her application to the iFWD PH Program in 2024 was a turning point. After completing Phase 1, which focused on core business development and capacity building, she advanced to Phase 2, requesting DOST’s innovation support to upgrade her enterprise and improve production facilities.
