MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10 has extended its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) to ABN Marketing, an encoding hub and retailer of fashion accessories in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.
Formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement in Ozamiz City, the partnership aims to enhance the enterprise’s operational efficiency, expand product offerings, and boost market competitiveness.
ABN Marketing, managed by Pegielyn Sabunod, was founded in 2009 as an encoding hub and retailer of fashion accessories. The business has grown into a convenience store and provides photocopying, bookbinding, and tarpaulin lay-outing services. It serves many clients, including students, teachers, government employees, and bank customers.
Despite its growth, ABN Marketing envisions mechanizing production and expanding into wide-format printing services, but it needs more equipment in its facility. Recognizing this barrier, the enterprise sought assistance through DOST’s SETUP, a program designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing technological interventions to improve productivity and product quality.
“Our printing company views DOST SETUP as a pivotal opportunity for the long-term success of our printing business. We anticipate that the project’s support will not only enhance our operational efficiency and technological capabilities but also strengthen our market position and sustainability efforts. We are committed to maximizing the benefits of this engagement to drive long-term growth and innovation within our company,” Sabunod said.
Through the DOST program, ABN Marketing will acquire cutting-edge printing equipment, including a wide-format printer and cutter plotter. This technological upgrade will allow the enterprise to offer advanced printing services such as tarpaulin, posters, backdrops, murals, and banners. The business will also be able to produce temporary vehicle plates, signage, and other related products with greater efficiency and precision.
With these interventions, the business is expected to experience a 22 percent boost in productivity and a 21 percent increase in sales after the first year of upgrades.
“DOST remains committed to supporting MSMEs in the province through SETUP. Through this program, we hope to support priority enterprises, including food processing, furniture, metals and engineering, and agriculture, among others, and contribute to the economic development in Misamis Occidental,” said DOST Misamis Occidental Provincial Director Eufresnie Ann Simbajon.
DOST SETUP is a nationwide strategy that provides a package of science and technology interventions, including seed funds for technology acquisition and equipment upgrading that the proponent will refund without interest.
A quote from DOST Sec. Dr. Renato Solidum, “Sa siyensiya at teknolohiya, negosyo tiyak kikita (In science and technology, business will definitely make money),” highlights DOST’s commitment to support MSMEs with science and technology interventions.
