BY: RIZALIE A. CALIBO
SIQUIJOR, May 12 (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST -7) thru Engr. Jesus Zamora, Jr., Executive Manager for Technical Support Services and SET-UP/RPMO regional coordinator, handed over three checks worth Php150,000, Php175,000, and Php980,000 to the proprietors of Oyhop’s Welding Shop, Gemma’s Homemade Products, and T&J Lumber Scrap Trade, respectively.
The event took place recently at the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of DOST-Siquijor and witnessed by DOST personnel and staff.
Before the turn over of checks, Engr. Zamora oriented them on the terms and conditions stipulated on the Memorandum of Agreement between their firm and DOST7.
Zamora reminded the beneficiaries that funds they have requested are assumed to be used in purchasing the equipments needed in the upgrading and should never be used to purchase transportation equipments or to construct buildings.
“You will be monitored from time to time during the implementation of the project which means that people from either the DOST prov’l office or the region will visit your area. For instance, an inventory team will conduct annual visit,” Zamora said.
He pointed out that these funds are seeded without collateral to SMEs but in return, they are expected to help the community and the economy in particular by providing jobs to fellow Siquijorians.
After a certain period of time, these entrepreneurs will be required to pay a monthly rental (not amortization) based on the approved structured payment scheme, he said.
“Since DOST is not a financial institution, this money is not loaned to you,” he said. The DOST assist them through technology transfer only so that purchase the needed equipments should be made by them, not by DOST, Engr. Zamora further stated.
The beneficiaries are also reminded that such equipments will remain government properties until the total equivalent amount plus one half of one percent of that amount is fully paid. Inventory tags will be placed on these equipment.
Zamora ended the orientation with a message of encouragement and wished the beneficiaries good luck with their business operation.
In return, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to DOST for extending assistance to them.
Likewise, Engr. Mario de la Pena, PSTD-Siquijor, congratulated the three entrepreneurs. He is very optimistic that thru SET-UP they can increase their production and annual sales. (mbcn/rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
To note, SET- UP or Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist MSMEs to adopt technological innovations to improve their productivity and competitiveness. (RAC/PIA-Siquijor/RJYA, MEP-DOST)