DOST-Siquijor conducts MPEX briefing to 4 firms

By Rizalie A. Calibo

SIQUIJOR, Sept 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducts a briefing on Manufacturing Productivity Extension for Export Promotion (MPEX) to four firms at the DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) Conference. 

DOST Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said the four firms identified by MPEX to be given assistance this year are: Larena Triad Coffee Shop, Sweet Sensation Cakes & Pastries, Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center and DanMild Personal Care Products. 

The briefing was facilitated by Josie F. Elli, the MPEX Project leader of DOST 7 with consultants from the University of San Jose-Recolletos (USJR), engineers Dennis Kilongkilong and Gilbert Nakila. 

MPEX is a program intended to help increase the productivity of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippine manufacturing sector. 

The Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) of DOST was given the task of implementing MPEX. 

The program started in January 1991 and has already served 140 firms nationwide. About 65 percent of 32 first firm beneficiaries have implemented recommendations with good results. 

Moreover, MPEX has also given adequate opportunity for faculty members of cooperating universities to work on real problems thereby enriching their professional experience. 

MPEX has shown its relevance to the current concerns for productivity and quality concerns. 

In 1998, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 7 was chosen and funded by TAPI to directly manage and implement the program in Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas. 

MPEX identifies strategies to improve productivity of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in the export sector and potential exporters; recommends productivity improvement measures for immediate implementation and develops capability to provide other forms of assistance to develop the manufacturing sector. 

To avail of the program, firm beneficiaries are endorsed by industry associations, the Department of Trade and Industry or may apply directly to DOST 7 regional office. 

MPEX team consultants may also recommend firms for inclusion in the program. 

Manufacturing sectors covered for MPEX are ICT, furniture & home furnishings, jewelry, ceramics, costume jewelry/fashion accessories, food processing, metal working, gifts/toys/houseware and electronics. 

For more details about the program, visit the local office of DOST at Siquijor, Siquijor. (RMN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)