IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Three local enterprises in the province recently received Innovation Fund (iFund) from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) -IX to bolster their business through technology acquisition thats expected to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Among these recipients, JR Tamula Rice Mill, an agri-based firm in Barangay Concepcion, Alicia town, has recently received funding assistance from the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
Securing support under SETUP, the rice mill has procured funding for the acquisition of two state-of-the-art mechanical grain dryer facilities, complete with a biomass furnace system, totaling a significant sum of Php 3 million.
Photo : DOST Sibugay
Funding assistance for the acquisition of two state-of-the-art mechanical grain dryer facilities totaling to Php 3M.
The acquisition of this advanced drying facility empowers JR Tamula Rice Mill to meticulously attain the requisite 14 percent moisture content in rice grains, courtesy of its integrated moisture sensor meter. This technological leap signifies a noteworthy departure from the conventional solar drying practices historically employed by the firm. The upgraded facility is engineered to substantially reduce, if not entirely eliminate, foreign particles such as dirt and pebbles during the drying process, elevating the overall quality of the rice output.
Anticipated as a catalyst for positive change, the implementation of this cutting-edge technology is poised to yield a ripple effect, directly translating into job creation for a minimum of three additional workers tasked with operating and maintaining the facility.
In another development, Tabacon Rice Mill has been awarded a financial boost totaling Php 1.5 million for the enhancement of their rice harvesting facility. Expressing gratitude, Tabacon acknowledged DOST’s invaluable support, recognizing the opportunity to elevate competitiveness, productivity, and product standards.
Tabacon Rice Mill – awarded Php 1.5M for the enhancement of their rice harvesting facility. Photo: DOST Sibugay
Canoy Catering Services received roughly Php400,000 for the enhancement of bakeshop processing facilities.
Meanwhile, Canoy Catering Services, a woman-led food processing enterprise based in Mabuhay town, received roughly Php400,000 for the enhancement of their bakeshop processing facilities. Project co-operator, Christie C. Canoy foresees an improvement in bread and pastry quality, ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Moreover, she expects a minimum 10 percent increase in income and the creation of additional job opportunities within the local community. Canoy expressed appreciation for DOST’s SETUP assistance, acknowledging its pivotal role in enhancing overall productivity and competitiveness.
This strategic project, funded under DOST’s SETUP, underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to bolstering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country through technological advancements and innovation. By providing crucial support for technology upgrading and innovation, SETUP enables enterprises to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and overall profitability.
SETUP, a DOST initiative, focuses on assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises across various industries in improving productivity through science, technology, and innovative interventions. The program encompasses technology upgrading, product development/improvement, system/pro
