DOST, local entrepreneurs in Surigao City ink MOA for technology upgrading, innovation support
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, through its Provincial Science and Technology Office in Surigao del Norte, recently sealed a partnership with two promising micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Surigao City.
Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), it formalizes the technology agreement and innovation support between the DOST – Surigao del Norte and the MSMEs, as part of the implementation of the agency’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
As beneficiaries of the said program, the business owners expressed their gratitude to the government for the remarkable initiative that will enable them to integrate advanced technology and innovation expertise to enhance their operational efficiency, and elevate the quality of their products and services, making the MSMEs competitive in the market.
They said, “We extend our sincerest gratitude to DOST for their unwavering commitment to empowering MSMEs and fostering sustainable economic growth and looking forward to maximizing the benefits of this program to achieve our objectives and contribute positively to the local economy.”
According to DOST Surigao del Norte Director Mariel Makinano the collaboration will empower both enterprises with access to innovation funds intended to support the acquisition of advanced equipment and the streamlining of production processes which primarily aims to boost productivity, increase product quality, and improve overall business operations.
“DOST’s SETUP program serves as the premier program designed to strengthen the capabilities of MSMEs by providing a blend of financial support and technical guidance that will enable businesses to adopt cutting-edge technologies, benefit from expert consultancy services, and participate in capacity-building activities such as specialized training,” Dir. Makinano said.
“By doing so, the program nurtures a more competitive, resilient, and innovation-driven local business sector,” she added.
The DOST’s SETUP is a nationwide strategy encouraging and assisting MSMEs to adopt technological innovations to improve their products, services, operations and increase their productivity and competitiveness, focusing on the priority sectors such as food processing, furniture, gifts, housewares, decors, agriculture/marine/aquaculture, metals and engineering, including information, communication and technology (ICT), pharmaceuticals and health products. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOST-SDN)
