CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Science and Technology-Central Luzon (DOST-3) has provided micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nueva Ecija the needed boost to improve their products and become more competitive.
Under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), the DOST has allotted some PHP9.4 million to provide technical and technological assistance to eight MSMEs in the province.
The assistance provided to MSMEs includes equipment upgrades, food safety standards consultancies, production improvements and product labeling.
Chelsea C. David, project technical aide of the DOST’s SETUP-Regional Program Management Operation, on Thursday said of the eight MSMEs, five are new program beneficiaries -- Sticker Dimension Graphic Design, Arghee's Tailoring, RR Regant Sportswear, FRF Furniture Shop, APAD Handicrafts Trading, while three are second phase recipients -- OC Tinman Tinsmith, Dreamkraft Printing Services and Solidtech Metal Trading and Fabrication.
David said the MSME beneficiaries will use the financial assistance to help them acquire technology interventions that will improve their productivity and overall efficiency.
“The firms are expected to increase their production output and capacity, improve their product quality, boost their gross sales, shorten lead times, eliminate outsourcing, and reduce employee workload and overtime labor costs,” she said in a radio program.
David is encouraging small businesses to avail themselves of the SETUP assistance.
“If you are an entrepreneur looking for a way to jumpstart your business, get in touch with the nearest DOST provincial office in your locality, where friendly and capable staff are waiting to assist you. Let the DOST SETUP help you achieve the business success you deserve,” she added.
Since 2002, DOST Region 3 has been continuously providing funding assistance to MSMEs through SETUP.
For this year, a total of PHP44.8 million worth of funds has been earmarked for the program.
As of May, over PHP22.77 million was released to fund 20 projects for firms engaged in food processing, metals and engineering, gifts, decor and handicrafts, agriculture, and information and communication technology. (PNA)
