DOST catalogue to help Reg-7 SMEs launched

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology yesterday launched their first catalogue featuring the 42 beneficiaries of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) from region 7.

SETUP is a program under the DOST which assists Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) through technology upgrading to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

This is the first time that the DOST helped enterprises directly.

During the launching held at Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City, Engr. Rene Llanto said that the department had conceptualized a catalogue a few years ago but they did not have a strong program to launch it.

All products came from various areas in region 7 particularly Bohol, Negros Occidental, Cebu and Siquijor

Inside the catalogue are the products of the 42 beneficiaries that had enrolled to SETUP.

The catalogue also serves a documentation of the program to show to consumers and at the same time, help promote the products.

“Magamit ning catalogue sa ilang clients and Filipinos hope to compete globally.” Llanto said.

Engr. Llanto said they plan to publish catalogues every two years to cater to the products of the SETUP.

He added that there are still many small enterprises who did not approach the department and encouraged them to approach the DOST to be registered.

The DOST will assist some these businesses and give them capital to start the production.

“Ang pinakadako na among napahuwam is five million depende sa project.” said Engr. Llanto.

Ms. Conchita Bigornia, communications specialist, said this is her first time to write in a given time but pointed out that she never had any difficulties in writing all 42 stories because she was inspired by every story she wrote.

Atty. Alejandro Alcantara, owner of the Raw Brown Sugar Milling Co. Inc., also attended the launching of the catalogue. He is also one of the 42 featured beneficiaries and is also competing globally as their products are exported to some Asian countries — (FREEMAN)