DOST releases check to Siquijor entreps

by Rizalie Anding Calibo

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), recently released another round of funding to its beneficiaries -- a P 120,000-check to Pajermo Furniture for another machine-a jointer plainer and another P 72,000-check to Duran’s Banana Products exclusively for packaging, to further boost both their productivity.

In interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here, Provincial Science and Technology (PSTC) Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said the move is the DOST’s continuing support to the SETUP beneficiaries to make sure that the project are sustained in response to the government’s effort to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurs as the engine for job creation and wealth distribution.

The local entrepreneurs said they are very fortunate they are one of the few beneficiaries who enjoy the package of support from the agency.

“Dako gyud kayo ang among pasalamat sa DOST,” said the two DOST program beneficiaries, Butch Duran of Duran Banana Products and Roberto Pajermo of the Pajermo Furniture here.

SETUP provides a package of intervention in the form of technology upgrading and acquisition, packaging and labeling, technical consultancy services, product standards development, and identification, training and networking assistance.

Fifteen manufacturers/producers from this province were beneficiaries of SETUP program since 2005 releasing some P7 to P9 million in project funds.

The first beneficiaries were Pajermo Furniture (two releases), CJP Furniture, Duran’s Banana Crackers (two releases), and Renie’s Peanut Processing with a total release of P 863,000.

Second batch were Jainen’s Cakes and Pastries, P 251,000; Jairen’s Bakeshop in Lazi, P300T; Eimars General Merchandize; Ever’s Special Peanut Processing, P 178,000; R&J Homemade Meat Products, P 134,000; and the Naning’s Furniture, P280T.

For 2007, projects were the establishment of Accelerated Vinegar Making Facility, P150T, and P. Cortes Weilding Shop, for the Establishment of Wrought Iron Forming Facility, P180T.

“Our local entrepreneurs from the food; furniture; gift; houseware and decors; marine and metals who are in need of technology upgrading to increase productivity are our top priority”, Engr. De la Pena said.

 “Our support even includes proposal preparation and MOA signing aside from the equipment acquisition, laboratory analysis, shelf-life testing, trainings and consultancy services”, he said.

To cite the local DOST has initiated the development of packaging and labeling design of Siquijor products which were showcased in the yearly Halad Siquijodnon Trade Fair and Exhibits that highlighted the Araw ng Siquijor celebration.

“This assistance of DOST is very helpful to SMEs and I hope to assist more based on the project and the quality of the proposals. (RACalibo/PIA-7 Siquijor)