BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO
SIQUIJOR, April 24 (PIA)—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here, through its Provincial Director, Engr. Mario de la Pena signed on April 22 the Memoranda of Agreement with two entrepreneurs--Oyhop Welding Shop through its proprietor, Crecencio Oyhop and Gemma’s Homemade Food Products through its proprietor Gemma Flores.
The MOA aims to seal the technical support and assistance to be extended by the Department of Science and Technology – Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST-SETUP) to improve their respective products, says DOST-Siquijor project assistant Reinhold Jek Abing in a press release submitted to the PIA.
The proponents/project beneficiaries in return, pledged to extend their full cooperation for the effective and efficient implementation of the said projects, Abing said.
Engr. Mario De la Pena, in an interview, also said that this event is one of the first steps in the project implementation.
He further said that, following the signing of the MOA, funds will be released to the beneficiaries to facilitate the acquisition/fabrication of all the equipment/materials they need as stipulated in their respective approved project proposals.
“I’m looking forward to the project implementation. It will be of great help in upgrading the metal products fabrication and services of my welding shop”, said Crecencio Oyhop, one of the beneficiaries.
Another beneficiary Gemma Flores said she is very optimistic about the project. She said that she can’t wait to improve her production facilities.
SETUP is a nationwide strategy of the DOST encouraging and assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt technological innovations to improve their products, services, operations and increase their productivity and competitiveness.
The MOA signing was witnessed by the DOST personnel and staff at its Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC). (mbcn/RAC/PIA7-Siquijor w/ reports from Engr. Reinhold Jek Y. Abing/DOST-Squijor)