By Rachel R. Perez, DOST-STII, S&T Media Service
True to its mandate, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) hails the outstanding micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that were assisted under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), one of the flagship programs of the department that empowers MSMEs to level up.
For 2021 alone, 507 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) were provided assistance and some 3,000 workers were provided employment, thus contributing to the upliftment of said local enterprises, especially during this time of the pandemic, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang confirmed in an interview.
SETUP was designed as a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist MSMEs and enable them to address their technical problems, streamline their operations, and improve productivity and efficiency, all by harnessing the power of science, technology, and innovation.
To celebrate MSMEs’ sterling performance for this year, the DOST will acknowledge their efforts through the awarding ceremonies called SETUP PRAISE Awards during the virtual staging of the annual National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration.
Chosen SETUP beneficiaries that have shown its excellence amidst the challenges of the pandemic will receive this year’s awards: Most Productive, Most Resilient, Most Agile, Most Innovative, iReady Award, and the National Winner.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, Usec. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST-NCR Regional Director Jose Patalinjug III, DOST-VIII Regional Director Ernesto Granada, and University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UPISSI) Director, Prof. Melanie M. Moraga-Leano, are expected to join the ceremonial occasion.
The 2021 SETUP PRAISE Award for MSMEs Awarding Ceremonies will be held on 23 November 2021 at 1:30 PM as one of the much-awaited activities of the one-week celebration of the science week.
‘’Agham at Teknolohiya: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon’’ is this year’s theme that will, for the second time, happen virtually.
For more information on the different webinars, forums, and special events, visit the NSTW website at http://nstw.dost.gov.ph/. You can also check and follow the NSTW Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/nstwdost. (DOST) -rir
