Recognizing the role of micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the economic development of our country, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST IX) conducted a Techno-Preneurship Forum for entrepreneurs in the region. The forum was held at Hotel Camila 1, Dipolog City on July 24, 2009. The event was in line with the annual observance of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW). This year?s regional celebration was held in Dipolog City. The celebration was anchored on the theme ?Responding Global Challenges through Science and Technology? with sub-theme ?
Saanman, Kailanman, S&T ay Kailangan?. Other activities slated during the celebration were Training on Bath Soap, Lotion, and Shampoo Production, Techno Investment Forum / Demo on Low Fat, Low Sugar Ice Cream, Product Packaging Assessment and Consultation, and Seminar on Basic Sanitation and Hygiene.
The forum aimed at providing the participants with current information on available government services helpful in doing business. Highlighting the one-day activity was the presentation of DOST-9 Programs and Projects with emphasis on its banner program, the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP). SET-UP is nationwide strategy to encourage and assist the local micro, small and medium scale business firms to implement technological innovations and improvements in their operations. The program enables the firms to address their technical problems through DOST technology transfer and technical interventions. The program improves on the aspects of operation such as productivity, product quality, manpower development, cost of production, waste management and other operation related activities. The program helps modernize the production line of the firms and indirectly stimulate the country?s economic growth. To date, the program assisted a total of 43 MSMEs in Region IX.
The other resource speakers were representatives from the following government agencies that are also in the forefront of assisting MSMEs: 1) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI IX) with the topics on Starting Up a Business in the Midst of Crisis; and OTOP: A Banner Program for SME Development; 2) Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA IX ) ? Technical Skills Training for MSMEs Development; 3) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE IX) ? Go Negosyo and possible funding assistance for MSMEs; 4) Department of Agriculture (DA IX) ? Government Assistance for Agricultural Entrepreneurs; 5) Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD) - Acquiring BFAD ? LTO; and 6) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR IX) - acquiring Hazard Critical Control Point (HACCP) Recognition. (DOST-IX PRESS RELEASE)
