Inheriting the enterprise from his uncle, the current owner of Ajero Food Industry, Mr. Richard Ajero purchased second-hand equipment to improve the production of the family’s pancit making facility located at New Lituban, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. However, the facility was not enough to comply with government standards for producing quality products.
In pursuit of improving product quality, the owner initiated to upgrade his production plant with innovation support assistance of the Department of Science and Technology IX through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST IX – SETUP).
The project entitled “Upgrading of Pancit Production Facility,” receives the amount of Six Hundred Sixty Thousand Pesos (P 660,000.00) to cover acquisition of Stainless Steels (SS) food grade equipment. Also, DOST IX will provide product testing services to achieve better quality products; trainings on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Basic Sanitation and Hygiene for Food Handlers; and technical consultancy on the proper plant lay-out. With these, DOST-IX will fully transform the enterprise into a standardized production firm complying with the requirements of FDA.
Through the DOST IX interventions, the firm is expected to boost productivity and income by 30%; develop quality food products; and create sustainable employment opportunity in the area which would eventually translate into better economic opportunities for the people of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.
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)
