The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched the 2014 MSME Packaging Innovation Award last July 26, 2014 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, during the ongoing National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).

A nationwide competition among MSMEs or micro, small and medium enterprises with packaging innovations from DOST, the awards highlight the critical role of packaging in business operations.

“Packaging is as important as the product itself,” said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his message read by DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operation Services Carol M. Yorobe during the launching.

In particular, DOST-VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga said that packaging boosts the competitiveness of Philippine products globally and within the ASEAN market.

Awardees will be selected based on three criteria.

The first of these criteria is technological advancement as reflected in the product’s improved quality and shelf life, production efficiency, an increase in distribution, and use of environmentally sound processes among others.

The second is design excellence as reflected in the product’s compliance with mandatory labelling requirements, among other factors.

Another criterion is market and socio-economic impact as indicated by an increase in production volume and sales, greater product accessibility, and increase in employment generated, among others.

The first MSME Packaging Innovation Award will be held in 2015. Qualified for nomination to the awards are all MSMEs which availed packaging assistance from the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of DOST. SETUP provides assistance to MSMEs by way of equipment upgrade, funding, training, and packaging innovations in order to strengthen their foothold in both the local and overseas markets, including the ASEAN region.
For more information about the 2014 MSME Packaging Innovation Award, contact your nearest DOST regional office or Provincial S&T Center. (S&T Media Service)

DOST-VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operation Services Carol M. Yorobe, and Industrial Technology Development Institute Director Nuna Almanzor enjoy the special presentation introducing the 2014 MSME Packaging Innovation Award during its launching held at Forum Hall 2 of the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex. The launching was one of the activities during the 2014 National Science and Technology Week of DOST which will run until July 28, 2014. (S&T Media Service)