ALICIA, Zamboanga Sibugay – Dats Marine Products Trading of Alicia town has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office in Zamboanga Sibugay Province (PSTO-ZSP), enhancing operations and support local economic development.
The partnership, funded under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), focuses on upgrading the company’s fish cage facility using Norwegian fish cage technology.
Sadat Butongkay, proprietor of Dats Marine Products Trading, underwent a technology needs assessment on May 9, 2024, to evaluate the firm’s viability for the program.
The assessment considered various business aspects, including managerial, technical, financial, marketing, and socio-economic factors, to identify suitable science, technology, and innovation interventions.
After the Regional Technical Evaluation Committee approved the project on July 9, 2024, the MOA was signed a month after with various stakeholders witnessing the momentous occasion.
The project cooperators expressed their gratitude to DOST for the opportunity to upgrade their facility and enhance their productivity.
“We are grateful for this initiative, which brings a much-needed boost to our production and uplifts our members’ livelihoods,” Butongkay said.
Norwegian fish cage technology is a durable system for efficient fish farming in open waters. It combines advanced automation with sustainability to withstand harsh marine conditions.
The SETUP project is expected to increase the firm’s annual gross sales by at least 25% in its first year with the new facility. Additionally, the project will introduce a new product line, milkfish, and generate at least three local jobs.
SETUP is DOST’s flagship program designed to boost the productivity and competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises through scientific, technological, and innovative interventions. (EDT/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)
