DOST extends P91-M tech support to Mimaropa MSMEs

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — More than 1,200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Mimaropa region (Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan)  have received over P91 million in technology assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to boost productivity and strengthen local enterprises. 

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., in a statement on Thursday, announced this during the opening of the 2026 MIMAROPA Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week in Odiongan town in Romblon. 

The assistance will be coursed through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), which enables MSMEs to adopt modern technologies and streamline business operations. 

READ: Local bank lending to MSMEs remains sluggish

“Economic development becomes more meaningful when it creates jobs, strengthens industries and improves productivity,” Solidum emphasized. 

DOST is shifting toward more targeted interventions — including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) — to address the specific operational challenges of local businesses, the secretary said. 

Solidum said the agency plans to engage MSMEs individually to map out their processes and identify where AI and other innovations can deliver practical, tailored solutions, moving beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach. 

While existing upskilling initiatives already introduce businesses to AI, DOST aims to make its assistance more responsive to each enterprise’s unique needs. 

The support is being delivered through DOST’s regional and provincial offices, while the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) — with funding from the Office of the DOST Secretary — is developing an AI-as-a-service program for interested MSMEs. 

“Technology adoption should be guided by actual business needs and should ultimately contribute to improved productivity, stronger industries and job creation,” Solidum said./coa