Two local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Province of Guimaras were granted with the Certificates of Transfer of Ownership by the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) after completing their repayment for the financial assistance they availed under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) – Innovation-Enabling Fund (iFund).
The DOST has been implementing the SETUP which includes the provision of iFund to qualified MSMEs. The iFund is a major technology transfer and commercialization program under SETUP which assists with the upgrading of existing production facilities of the MSMEs/organizations as well as the acquisition of other critical requirements in the production line. The program allows MSMEs to acquire appropriate technologies to improve production efficiency, product quality, and competitiveness. Under this modality, the beneficiaries refund the total cost of the assistance to the government without interest in a pre-determined period.
Amidst the CoVID-19 crisis, the Cheran Bakery and Boboy’s Delicacies in Guimaras completed the financial assistance provided to them by DOST through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading (SETUP) Innovation-Enabling Fund (iFund). Cheran Bakery owner, Mr. Cipriano Arellano was a farmer before he ventured in baking bread like buns, pan de sal, pan de leche, loaf bread, muffins, and hopia to name a few. Mr. Arellano gained his expertise in baking for several years of working in a bakery in Manila. Cheran Bakery started with only three workers and supply bread products to some small stores in Jordan, Guimaras. The firm has improved its process and products with the six (6) equipment availed through the DOST VI SETUP iFUND.
Likewise, Boboy’s Delicacies availed of the financial assistance for the upgrading of its production facilities for mango-based products. The firm availed of some bakery equipment which aided them in the production of various delicacies such as mango piaya, mango/cashew scotches, mango tart, barquillos, barquiron de manga, salted cashew nuts, and cashew bandi banana chips and fries, and the camote crackers. The owner, Mr. Teodoro Ganancial, Jr. established his business in 2002 as he decided to stay for good in Guimaras after several years of being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). The food products he produced were learned from his two sons who worked part-time in a recognized food and beverage company on the island. Mr. Ganancial shares that he actively attends seminars on food processing conducted by government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
In July 2020, DOST VI has also granted Certificates of Transfer of Completion to two (2) of its client-MSMEs in Iloilo City, the M. Estomo Fabrication and Steel Works and the Plaza Jaro Delicacies. The DOST SETUP covers the following sectors – food processing, furniture, gifts, decors, handicrafts, agriculture/marine/aquaculture, metals and engineering, ICT, pharmaceuticals, health, and wellness products. DOST VI implements various programs and projects and also provides a wide range of services to its customers. Further details about the DOST VI programs and services can be accessed through the DOST VI website http://region6. dost.gov.ph. (SSalazar/DOST VI-KMU)
