DOST RELEASES P1.9M FOR MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES IN EASTERN SAMAR

For the year 2012, the Department of Science and Technology, through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and DOST Grants-In-Aid (GIA) Program, has released a total of P1.9M for the upgrading of manufacturing enterprises in the Province of Eastern Samar.

The total amount of funds released covers the nine (9) project proposals assessed and endorsed by PSTC-Eastern Samar and passed the strict evaluation of two (2) Regional Technical Evaluation Committee (RTEC) panels: the (1) internal RTEC, composed of Provincial Science and Technology Directors (PSTDs) and DOST-8 program heads, and (2) external RTEC, composed of various heads from the academe and private sector. All the 9 proposals were approved in regional level because each of the proposals funding requirements is less than P1.0M. Project proposals with more than P1.0M are submitted to DOST-CO for further evaluation and possible approval.

The innovation system support (ISS) tops the list of interventions provided to these manufacturing enterprises. Under the ISS, the SETUP beneficiaries are assisted in the acquisition of needed production equipment/facilities and/or technologies to improve their production efficiency. Other interventions provided to project beneficiaries are product labeling and packaging, technology trainings and technical consultancy services. Investments were spent on priority sectors such as food processing, horticulture, metals and engineering, and gifts, toys and housewares.

As of the moment, the program has already assisted 24 manufacturing enterprises in Eastern Samar and invested a total amount of P5.1Mto improve its productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. SETUP is a nationwide strategy in which it encourages and assists local manufacturing enterprises to improve their overall operations and boosts their productivity and competitiveness through infusion of appropriate technologies. (LourlynCelada, SRS-I)