ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR (PIA)—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 is driving economic growth in the Zamboanga Peninsula through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), which has benefited over 130 micro-small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the past three years.
Mary Joy Tuban, the co-owner/manager of RT Rice Trading, a proponent of the DOST 9 Small Enterprise Technology Upgrade Program, is grateful for the program’s assistance
DOST 9 Regional Director Martin Wee inspects the machine granted by the SETUP-assisted project with the beneficiary Mary Joy Tuban, RT Trading’s co-owner and manager.
“Ang first phase namo nga na avail sa DOST ang mechanical dryer 8.5-ton with furnace na siya. Dako jud ug kaayo ang kausban sa amuang negosyo ug daghan ug orders, maka supply dayun mi ug orders sa pila ka municipality ug bugas. Dako kaayo amuang pagpasalamat sa program namo nga na-avail sa DOST,” said Tuban.
(Our first phase project with DOST was the 8.5-ton mechanical dryer with a furnace system. There have been big improvements in our business. We can immediately cater to our customers’ orders and supply various municipalities with milled rice. We are very thankful for the SETUP assistance from DOST.)
As MSMEs expand their market reach, local economies benefit from increased trade and stronger business networks, further driving economic progress in the region.
“Noon kumukuha lang ako sa Maynila, wala naman akong machine. DOST thankful talaga ako, ako na talaga ang nag manufacture. Yung market ko is Visayas, Mindanao ako na ang nag supply. Ngayon nasa mga 35 na ang tao ko,” Engr. Denis Tagab, owner of Engr’s Steel said
(Before, I just got my supplies from Manila, I didn’t have any machines. I’m thankful to DOST. Now, I’m the one who manufactures them. My market is Visayas and Mindanao, I’m the one who supplies them. Now, I have 35 people working for me.)
The positive impact of SETUP extends beyond business, creates livelihood opportunities, and fosters a culture of community involvement.
With this, SETUP remains a big help to MSMEs’ success and sustainable development throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Looking ahead, DOST-9 aims to expand the SETUP reach, helping more MSMEs adopt technological innovations to drive sustained economic growth in the region. (EDT/CCP/PKG/PIA9 – Zamboanga Del Sur)
