GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/18 December) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 12 has released some P36.65 million worth of “innovation support” this year to various micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.
Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan, DOST Region 12 director, said Thursday the assistance comprises the region’s allocation this year under its flagship Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program.
She said a total of 27 MSMEs in the region have benefited from the program, which included the provision of technical support and other related services.
The agency released P11.69 million worth of assistance to 11 beneficiaries during the first half of the year while the remaining P27.55 million was distributed to 16 others in the second half, she said.
Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
“The assistance allowed the beneficiaries to acquire and adopt new technologies and innovations to address their technical problems as well as improve their productivity and product quality,” Laidan said.
A report released by DOST-12 showed that four MSMEs based in this city received financial and technical assistance under the program.
These are the JPRG Trade and Services, KM Food Products, Greenlands Agri-Tech Ventures and CLG Food Products.
The agency provided a package of technical assistance to Angel Resort, Aquaculture and Agriculture Farmlands, Inc. based in Kiamba town in Sarangani Province.
In South Cotabato, the recipients were the Matutum Agri-Lime Marketing, Durian Garden and Monte Farms in Polomolok town; Villa Edna Farm and Niños Food Products in Tupi; Sunrice Solivio Rice Mill in Surallah; and, Pascual Bakery Equipment and Services, Balaoing Enterprises and Mang Gorio Bahay Kainan in Koronadal City.
In North Cotabato, the firms that received support from the program were Joyce & Jong Machine Shop and Motor Parts, NCV Workshop and Tecuala Mini Sawmill and Woodworks in Kidapawan City; FC Martinez Industrial Machine Shop in Midsayap; and, King JEM Coconut Products Philippines, Inc. in Makilala.
The agency also assisted Salinas Breadtop, Danwel Furniture & General Merchandize, 3DCs Light and Heavy Equipment Repair Shop and Engineering Services and Gabato Machine Shop in Tacurong City; Toreña Aqua Farm in Lebak; Sultan Kudarat Coffee Ventures in Senator Ninoy Aquino; Isulan Glass and General Merchandize in Isulan; Erese Sugar Mill in President Quirino; and, Municipal Aggies Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Esperanza.
Laidan said the technical assistance that they extended focused on boosting the productivity and competiveness of the beneficiary-MSMEs.
She said the support includes human resources development, cost minimization, waste management, product standardization, operation-related activities and identification of necessary or appropriate machineries and equipment.
The MSMEs that were covered by the program were engaged in food processing; manufacture of furniture and home furnishings, gifts, holiday decors and fashion accessories; marine and aquatic resources; horticulture; metal and engineering; information and communication technology; and, Halal food production. (MindaNews)
