BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Negros Occidental is accepting proposals from enterprises interested to avail of PHP18 million worth of assistance under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP) this year.
Glady Reyes, science research specialist II of DOST-Negros Occidental, said on Tuesday that seven companies would be able to avail of the program’s Innovation System Support Fund (ISSF) intended for facility upgrading.
She said they would wait for other proposals until the deadline in June, but since these would still be evaluated as funds were limited, firms are urged to submit as soon as possible.
“Upgrading of equipment enables local enterprises to boost production income generation by improving their packaging and product quality,” Reyes said, adding that information and communications technology (ICT) companies were also encouraged to apply as long as they met the requirements.
ICT is identified as priority sector by the DOST and Regional Development Council. Others include furniture, processed food, metals and engineering, gifts, handicrafts and decors, agriculture and marine aquaculture, and pharmaceuticals and health products.
In 2017, the DOST allotted PHP12.6 million in SET UP assistance that benefited six firms in the province.
Under the program guidelines, recipient-enterprises should have been existing for at least three years in the manufacturing industry authorized by the Department of Trade and Industry and with necessary permits from the local government unit.
The application process includes submission of audited financial statement and technology and project implementation sheet. Recipients will undergo technology needs assessment.
Qualified enterprises should also submit a quarterly report or project information sheet to determine if they have generated jobs and improved the product quality and sales.
In terms of payment, enterprises are given a one-year grace period before the start of payment within three years. (Erwin Nicavera/PNA)
