Western Visayas firms get R70-million DOST aid boost

Iloilo City–The Department of Science and Technology in Region 6 (DOST-6) has allocated R70-million for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Western Visayas to boost their competitiveness in domestic as well as foreign markets. Western Visayas (Image from Googlemap) DOST-6 Regional Director, Engr. Rowen Gelonga said the use of science and technology tools increases productivity and ensures high-quality products. Speaking at the sidelight of the February 23 science and technology forum convened by the Regional Development Council (RDC-6) in Iloilo City, Gelonga said DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) aims to optimize the value-chain of products. She also noted how DOST’s budget allocation for MSMEs development has significantly increased. From R2-3 million six years ago, the regional budget for MSME development has jumped to R50 million last year.  For fiscal year 2016, it has been increased even more, that is, to R70 million. Mary Rose O. Suerte, Unit [...]