P7.8-M assistance given to 19 Negros Occidental SMEs in 2006
Negros Occidental -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI (DOST-VI) with its aggressive implementation of the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) has identified nineteen (19) enterprises for the provision of core fund assistance in Western Visayas for CY 2006.
The assistance for the nineteen beneficiaries amounted to PhP 7.8 million pesos.
SET-UP is in response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's economic policy to support the micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs.
It is a nationwide strategy aimed to encourage and assist MSMEs to implement technological innovations as well as improvements in their operations.
In Region VI, from the time SET-UP was first implemented in 2003, accomplishments had increased significantly through the years.
In terms of the SET-UP Core Fund Projects, there has been a very significant increase in the number of recipients. It can be noted that in CY 2003 there were only 3 beneficiaries. In CY 2004 and 2005, there were 5 and 10 recipients, respectively. And for CY 2006, 19 enterprises were approved for Core Fund assistance.
The beneficiaries have recognized the need to improve their existing production facilities because of the increasing demand of their respective products. The assistance extended was in the acquisition/fabrication of the needed equipment that were identified through the DOST Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program for Export Modernization.
The recipients are located in different provinces of Western Visayas specifically; six (6) from Aklan, five (5) from Negros Occidental, two (2) from Capiz and three (3) beneficiaries each from Iloilo and Guimaras. The beneficiaries from Negros Occidental are Ting Ting Food Products, Jojo's Noodle Center, Kiculo Crafts, Golden Furnishing and Phil's Craft and Furniture. In Aklan, the recipients are Aklan's Boneless Bangus, La Herminia Piña Weaving Industry, Heritage Arts and Crafts, Rosa Foods, Inc., Richel Enterprise and Inarmaga Enterprises. Tropics Food Products Cooperative and Obras de Dedos Industria delos Artesania Y Muebles are the beneficiaries from Capiz and Sweet 'Nes, Merlfrance Bamboo Craft and Furniture, and Cemer Enterprises are the recipients in Iloilo. Lastly, the beneficiaries from Guimaras are Contemplative Outreach to the Poor (COP), Inc., Rochemar's Delicacies, and Trappist Monastic Food Products.
(DOST/PIA)