Small and medium entrepreneurs are encouraged to avail of the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) to help them become globally competitive.
SET-UP is the assistance program of the Department of Science and Technology in Central Visayas (DOST-7).
The program was launched in 2002 but only a few entrepreneurs availed of it, said regional director Rene Burt N. Llanto in an interview last week.
“Last year’s budget for the program was P400 million and that is doubled this year at P800 million. The money is there, all they (firms) have to do is tap it. Work with us and let us help you. We have available resources such as the technology and the experts,” he said.
As of last year, DOST assisted almost 200 firms in Central Visayas.
This includes 48 from Cebu like Habagat, BonAce Fashion Tools, Chilen’s Chicharon.
DOST’s program can help with improving product quality, human resources development, cost minimization and waste management, and other operation-related activities, according to Llanto
“We have published stories of 48 firms that have already availed of the program and how it has helped them in their operations, overall productivity and competitiveness.”
Llanto said that DOST already shelled out P45 million in investment shares with firms currently availing of the program.
He said DOST targets to increase spending in the region from P45 million to P50 million this year and to double the number of partner firms.
The agency is coordinating with different business chamber organizations in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
“We will be aggressively promoting the program to SMEs, and the chambers have committed to also help us.” he said.
Regular publication of success stories in print or online will also be done aside from the SET-UP catalogue that will be released every two years.
In Cebu, Llanto said aims to work with sectors and industries in food, furniture, gifts, home decors, metals and engineering.
“These are the sectors that have the large potential for global growth and where technology plays a vital role,” said Llanto
SET-UP was the DOST’s national program in response to former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s call for more programs that would assist SMEs. /Reporter Aileen Garcia-Yap