Guerrero Milling & Mechanical Drying Service, an Agri-based firm based in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, received funding assistance from the Department of Science and Technology – Regional Office No. IX through its Provincial Science and Technology Office - Zamboanga Sibugay Province (PSTO-ZSP). The firm availed the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) for the provision of one (1) unit mechanical grain dryer with a biomass furnace system. The dryer is part of the opportunities for improvement (OFIs) identified by the PSTO-ZSP team during the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA). The Innovation Fund (iFund) amounted to One Million Five Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Pesos (₱1,545,000.00).
The Provincial S&T Director, Ms. Jennifer A. Pidor, personally turned over the fund check to Mr. Jaime Guerrero, project cooperator and proprietor of the firm, reflecting fifty percent (50%) of the project cost (1st tranche). While the fabrication of the equipment is ongoing, the firm focuses on enhancing the building facility that is now nearing completion as their counterpart for the project. The firm also agreed to shoulder the electrical cost of the project, covering the purchase of a transformer and electrical materials. The remaining funds will be withdrawn after completing the cooperator’s counterpart and installation of the drying facility.
The facility is expected to attain the 14% moisture content standard requirement for rice grains through its built-in moisture meter, which cannot be done accurately by means of traditional drying via a flatbed solar dryer. The facility also ensures fewer foreign objects like rocks, stones, and other contaminants are mixed into the grains, which frequently happens during solar drying. The firm is also expected to generate at least three employment opportunities in their community who will be directly involved in the operation and maintenance of the grain dryer.
SETUP assists micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and identified industries to improve productivity through different technological interventions such as acquisition of innovative and cost-effective facilities; product development; process improvement; workforce capacity empowerment; and consultancy services, among others.
For more information regarding DOST IX’s assistance, please call (062) 947-3894 or (062) 955 0825 and look for Jennifer A. Pidor, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (CARLO SYL L. QUINTE, DOST-IX-Press Release).
