In an effort to fully support President Arroyo's Eight-Point Work Program, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) intensifies its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) to strengthen the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) and stimulate investments in agriculture nationwide through a technology transfer road show that kicks off 29-30 January 2003 in Region 6, initially covering more than 10 DOST-assisted projects in Akian, Capiz and lloilo.

           SET-UP is designed to improve productivity and competitiveness of the MSMEs through the infusion of new and advanced technologies to their operations; provision of funds for technology acquisition; manpower training, technical assistance and consultancy services; packaging; establishment of product standards and testing; and database information system.

           According to the National Statistics Office (NSO) data, 99.61% (823,558) of the 826,783 registered enterprises in 1999 are classified as MSMEs which account for 53% of the total employment generated by registered enterprises and represent around 60% of all exporting firms in the country.

           The SET-UP's firm level target for the years 2003-2004 is to provide about 12,000 technological interventions to 7,200 companies; generate at least 30% increase in gross revenues of participating firms and increase by at least 50% their employment; assist at least 50% of participating firms to penetrate new markets and/or start exporting by the end of 2004; expand the testing service offered and number of clients served by the DOST Regional Testing laboratories.

           For its macro targets, SET-UP will identify non-traditional markets and expand market share by 30%; develop new products and product design; and develop additional micro financing packages for MSMEs and assist them access these financing facilities by at least 50%. Estimated income from services is expected to increase by at least 30%; and improve production efficiency by reducing wastes (20%); increasing turn around time (30%) and improving productivity by not less than 50%.

           Science and Technology Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro leads the delegation of DOST officials and scientists in the two-day road show together with representatives from the LGUs, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Commission on Audit (COA), and members of the media who are tapped to bring to the attention of the people particularly in the countryside, the government's S&T interventions which aim to help the industry, train entrepreneurs and generate employment for the Filipinos.

           As of December 2002, SET-UP has provided assistance to 44 MSMEs from various parts of the country on food processing; furniture; gifts, toys and housewares; fibers; marine/aquatic; metals; and horticulture industries.

           The road show will be held in all regions of the country until December this year.

           For inquiries and other assistance, please contact the Office of Undersecretary Florentino O. Tesoro or Asst. Secretary Maripaz L. Perez at telephone nos. 837-7494 and 837-2940, respectively, or visit the DOST Office at Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila. (Malou M. Tanyag, S&T Media Service)