BUTUAN CITY— The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognizes the critical role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving innovation, creating jobs and fostering economic growth through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
SETUP is a key DOST strategy to stimulate investment in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. The program has been adapted over the years to meet the changing needs of MSMEs.
Under the program, assisted MSMEs can address technological challenges by acquiring appropriate technologies and adopting DOST-generated systems and other science and technology (S&T) interventions, such as consulting and training services.
SETUP helps MSMEs test products for compliance with international standards, package and label products, and create and manage databases and information systems. The program also connects MSMEs with national and international organizations for raw materials, markets, training, financing, and equipment design and fabrication.
A visit to two successful SETUP-assisted MSMEs in the Caraga Region — RM Wood Product Industry and Villa Tuna Foods Corp.— exemplifies how these firms leverage technological initiatives to generate local economic opportunities.
RM Wood Product Industry, owned by Rodolfo Pertacorta, applied for SETUP assistance in 2022 to meet rising production demands and market growth.
DOST intervention has increased the firm’s workforce from 70 to 118 employees. It now produces eight to 10 crates of plywood and 2,220 sheets of veneer per day. The company has also acquired assets valued at an estimated PHP 15 million.
Through the DOST Regional Office in Caraga, the firm plans to establish a wood specialization laboratory, which is expected to create further jobs and improve regional economic development.
Archie Moreno, president of Villa Tuna Foods Corp., applied for SETUP assistance to expand his business and create jobs for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The business is located in Butuan City.
Through the SETUP program, the company acquired a 3,000-kilogram reefer van, reducing storage costs and improving capacity. Previously, the firm outsourced storage to Gentech.
Today, the company operates eight branches across Mindanao, including two in Butuan City. The Montalban branch alone has an estimated capitalization of PHP 2 million, reflecting the company’s growth and success.
The project visit to the two MSMEs was led by DOST Undersecretary for regional operations Sancho Mabborang and DOST-Caraga regional director Noel Ajoc.
The DOST said it is committed to supporting and encouraging MSMEs to adopt new technologies and develop their entrepreneurial skills to improve operational efficiency, increase productivity, and strengthen the competitiveness of their products and services.
Since 2022, it has assisted 9,612 firms and projects nationwide in food processing, furniture, marine and aquatic resources, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ICT and electronics, gifts, housewares and decor, metals, and engineering.
The DOST programs, including SETUP and Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), aim to generate 6,000 jobs in various priority sectors across the country in 2024.
The department continuously invests in high-impact and sustainable programs like CEST and the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) that address national concerns. These programs align with research priorities in four major areas: human well-being promotion, wealth creation, wealth protection and sustainability.
BUTUAN CITY— The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognizes the critical role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving innovation, creating jobs and fostering economic growth through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
SETUP is a key DOST strategy to stimulate investment in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. The program has been adapted over the years to meet the changing needs of MSMEs.
Under the program, assisted MSMEs can address technological challenges by acquiring appropriate technologies and adopting DOST-generated systems and other science and technology (S&T) interventions, such as consulting and training services.
SETUP helps MSMEs test products for compliance with international standards, package and label products, and create and manage databases and information systems. The program also connects MSMEs with national and international organizations for raw materials, markets, training, financing, and equipment design and fabrication.
A visit to two successful SETUP-assisted MSMEs in the Caraga Region — RM Wood Product Industry and Villa Tuna Foods Corp.— exemplifies how these firms leverage technological initiatives to generate local economic opportunities.
RM Wood Product Industry, owned by Rodolfo Pertacorta, applied for SETUP assistance in 2022 to meet rising production demands and market growth.
DOST intervention has increased the firm’s workforce from 70 to 118 employees. It now produces eight to 10 crates of plywood and 2,220 sheets of veneer per day. The company has also acquired assets valued at an estimated PHP 15 million.
Through the DOST Regional Office in Caraga, the firm plans to establish a wood specialization laboratory, which is expected to create further jobs and improve regional economic development.
Archie Moreno, president of Villa Tuna Foods Corp., applied for SETUP assistance to expand his business and create jobs for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The business is located in Butuan City.
Through the SETUP program, the company acquired a 3,000-kilogram reefer van, reducing storage costs and improving capacity. Previously, the firm outsourced storage to Gentech.
Today, the company operates eight branches across Mindanao, including two in Butuan City. The Montalban branch alone has an estimated capitalization of PHP 2 million, reflecting the company’s growth and success.
The project visit to the two MSMEs was led by DOST Undersecretary for regional operations Sancho Mabborang and DOST-Caraga regional director Noel Ajoc.
The DOST said it is committed to supporting and encouraging MSMEs to adopt new technologies and develop their entrepreneurial skills to improve operational efficiency, increase productivity, and strengthen the competitiveness of their products and services.
Since 2022, it has assisted 9,612 firms and projects nationwide in food processing, furniture, marine and aquatic resources, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ICT and electronics, gifts, housewares and decor, metals, and engineering.
The DOST programs, including SETUP and Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), aim to generate 6,000 jobs in various priority sectors across the country in 2024.
The department continuously invests in high-impact and sustainable programs like CEST and the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) that address national concerns. These programs align with research priorities in four major areas: human well-being promotion, wealth creation, wealth protection and sustainability.
