18 enterprises in WV avail DOST's SET-UP program
Eighteen enterprises in Western Visayas recently availed of the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) Innovation System Support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Reports from the office of Dr. Emelyn P. Flores, officer-in-charge of DOST's office of the Regional Director for Technical Operations showed that there are six beneficiaries from the province of Aklan; four from Negros Occidental; three from Iloilo; three from Guimaras; and two from Capiz.
The department has yet to relay the current number of applicants for the program or the beneficiaries for 2007. The available records is only for 2006. In 2005, there were only 10 recipients of the SET-UP program. The program is not a dole-out from the government. The recipients will refund the total cost of whatever technology assistance provided to them by the government.
In Aklan, the beneficiaries are the Aklan's Boneless Bangus, La Herminia Piña Weaving Industry, Heritage Arts and Crafts, Rosa Foods Inc., Richel Enterprise and Inarmaga Enterprises.
The Ting Ting Food Products, Jojo's Noodle Center, Golden Furnishing and Phil's Craft and Furniture are the beneficiaries in Negros Occidental. In Iloilo, the Sweet 'Nes, Merlfrance Bamboo Craft and Furniture and Cemer Enterprise are the recipients of the DOST's SET-UP program.
In the island-province of Guimaras, Trappist Monastic Food Products, Rochemar's Delicacies and Contemplative Outreach to the Poor (COP) availed of the program. The Tropics Food Products Cooperative and Obras de Dedos Industria delos Artesiana Y Muebles in Capiz also availed of the program.
The 18 enterprises have recognized the need to improve their production facilities to address the increasing demand of their respective products. The assistance extended to the beneficiaries were based on "technological gaps" identified though the various DOST technology consultancy. It includes productivity improvement, cleaner production technology and packaging and labeling.