Department of Science and Technology Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro recently visited micro, small and medium enterprises in CAMANAVA area that received technology assistance under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program.
The MSMEs make up 99% of the country’s industry sector which, according to Alabastro, form the Philippine economy’s backbone. SETUP is a DOST flagship program that supports the sector’s growth.
A small DOST convoy waded through early morning traffic and proceeded first to Marisa’s Foods in Valenzuela City, maker of the 3A atchara, a popular Filipino pickled appetizer made from shredded papaya. Marisa’s Foods raised its monthly average production and gross sales by 134% and 36% following SETUP intervention. It gained two more institutional distribution accounts such as Super Ferry and Traders Hotel.
Alabastro also visited the production plant of First Philippine Scales, Inc., the country’s top weighing scale maker that earlier sought DOST’s assistance in acquiring a machine that cuts metals with precision in seconds.
The scale maker has since increased its production by 260%, and monthly average gross sales by 317% or equivalent to P.5M, and has cut down on wastes.
According to Charlie Policarpio, FPSI manufacturing director, DOST provided a versatile machine with multiple cutting functions unmatched by other conventional metal cutting machines.
In Navotas, the Seakid Crispy Pusit’s production also reported a hike in average gross sales by 50% valued at P387,503 due to a decrease in product returns attributed to DOST guided food manufacturing system. From January to March this year, Seakid has churned out 1.4 tons of crispy dilis (anchovy) and 955 kilos of crispy pusit (squid) distributed in leading supermarkets.
There was a quick stop at the Antonio and Luzviminda Francisco Educational and Environment Foundation Inc., where DOST provided livelihood technologies for constituents in Malabon and Navotas.
The DOST delegation then went to Marventure Corp., maker of “Allmytea” iced tea brand that also posted 177% rise in monthly production.
The daylong activity was capped with a trip to Frabelle Market Corp., which produces several products made from ground fish meat. It has reported an impressive 400% expansion in production and average monthly gross sales after the SETUP interventions.
SETUP is a flagship DOST program that provides technology based solutions covering products, processes, and services to help MSMEs become competitive locally and internationally. It aims to improve business productivity and create job opportunities at the community level.
