March 29, 2024

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Department of Science and Technology continues its support to micro, small, and medium enterprises in the province in a bid to improve their production, services and operations, increase productivity and to develop new products.
Under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup), DOST-Cordillera released a total of P7,982,958 in 2019 for the procurement of production machineries and other technology for eight MSMEs.
The Setup provides a no-interest, no collateral assistance to individuals or groups who have maintained their business for at least three consecutive years to assure the capability of the beneficiary to sustain their business and pay back the loan.
Data from the Provincial Science and Technology Center show that the DOST has already awarded to three MSMEs certificates of ownership of equipment availed through Setup.
Under DOST’s Grants-in-Aid program, the agency has also approved P2,996,857.35 worth of community-based projects. The amount, which, covers seven projects is given in the form of materials or equipment.
Of the total amount, P1,305,076.55 was appropriated for the three projects in Bauko; P741,780.80 for two projects in Besao; P660,000 for one project in Sagada, and P290,000 for one project in this municipality.
The DOST requires signing of a memorandum of agreement before project implementation. – Juliet B. Saley