The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) IX, through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) has recently approved the provision of S&T interventions to the Marapong Corporation in its project “Upgrading of Tabon-Tabon Processing Plant of Marapong Corporation.”
Marapong Corporation is a family-owned corporation based in Dipolog City. The corporation’s main product is a marinating sauce from Tabon-tabon fruit. The formulation of the sauce is a result of a research contract between Marapong Corp. and the DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) inspired by the family’s fondness for the seafood salad delicacy and the abundance of Tabon-tabon fruit in the family’s hometown of Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte.
Aside from the marinating sauce, Marapong Corporation is also into production of “saw-saw me” vinegar. The demand of a bigger market faced by the corporation required it to increase its production to cater their customers’ needs here and abroad. Through this assistance, DOST-IX will provide for technology interventions which include (1) system improvement; (2) product improvement; and (3) manpower development. The total cost of interventions amounted to nine hundred ninety-four thousand eight hundred forty pesos (P 994,840.00).
Through the project, the firm is expected to produce better quality products which would in turn translate to increased income and better economic opportunities for the people of Dipolog City.
SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in implementing technological innovations and improvements in their operations to boost their productivity and competitiveness.
For more information, interested parties may visit or call DOST-Regional Office IX, Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024; the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Upper Turno, Dipolog City, telephone numbers (065) 212-2244; Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City with telephone number (062) 925-1152; and the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with telephone numbers (062) 333-2793 . (DOST-IX Press Release)
