Some 140 local entrepreneurs and representatives of some Local Government Units in Region IX attended the series of SET-UP Forum / Orientation conducted by the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. IX.
During the forum, Jennifer Alcazar-Pidor, SET-UP Center Manager, presented a brief overview of DOST-IX and its various programs, products and services which the customers may avail of. She also presented SET-UP including its guidelines and requirements needed to be submitted by the proponent when applying for the assistance.
Selected SET-UP beneficiaries based in Zamboanga Sibugay were also invited to share testimonies to the participants. Ms. Noemie Lagura of Bongbong Mechanical Shop and Mr. Nestor Gargollo of Rockwood Sash and Furnishings shared their experiences with SET-UP. Bongbong availed of new equipment and was provided trainings for its workers for its metal fabrication shop. Mr. Gargollo, on one hand, availed of a furnace-type kiln dryer facility and some equipment for the upgrading of his furniture business.
Meanwhile, Mr. Concordio Bolusan of Nutri Booster Philippines and Mr. Alvin Ang of Woodtech Builders located in Pagadian City shared their experiences with SET-UP. Mr. Bolusan and Mr. Ang said the program has been very helpful to their respective businesses since they were able to acquire new equipment and the necessary trainings for their firm upgrade. Mr. Bolusan availed of new equipment for his nutri-booster infant food production as well as labeling and packaging assistance. Woodtech, on the other hand, availed of a furnace-type kiln dryer facility for his lumber and furniture business in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur.
Engr. Mahmud L. Kingking, ARD for Field Operation Services of DOST-IX, provided a presentation on Technology Needs Assessment (TNA). He explained that the conduct of TNA is required before SET-UP proposals can be evaluated. The participants were briefed on some of the information that would be gathered from the firm during the conduct of TNA. It was also explained that TNA would be helpful to the proponent since most of the information can be used in their proposal preparation.
After the presentation, the participants were given time to ask questions and clarify some points/concerns related to the program during an open forum.
SETUP is a nationwide strategy to assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting technological innovations to improve their operations and thus boost their productivity and competitiveness.
For more information, interested parties may visit or call the DOST-IX office at Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City, telephone numbers (062) 991-1024; or the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Upper Turno, Dipolog City, telephone numbers (065) 212-2244, Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) at Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City with telephone number (062) 925-1152, and the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) at 2/F J-Jireh Building, Veterans Village Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with telephone numbers (062) 333-2793 . (DOST-IX Press Release)
