DOST Provincial Director Mary Michelle Quiambao (left) urges micro, small and medium enterprises in Pampanga to avail starter packs to upgrade their equipment. (Jag Costamero/PIA-3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Pampanga seeking to upgrade equipment may now avail starter packs offered by Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Provincial Director Mary Michelle Quiambao said this is a compilation of programs of national government agencies and local government units for MSMEs.
“Those needing assistance for equipment financing, upgrading, improvement, or innovation in their products for them to be competitive in the market can seek the help of DOST. If they need technology in the form of equipment or experts to capacitate them, they can avail,” she explained.
This is also a way of bringing services closer to MSMEs which are largely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quiambao emphasized that all MSMEs are qualified to benefit from the starter packs given that they will be validated through a technology needs assessment.
The financing for the technology is three years to pay, with no interest.
“We are inviting all MSMEs wanting to improve the quality of their products or compliance in the market, just visit our office,” she added.
Ongoing projects include the woodworking industry in Guagua, thermal processing in Macabebe, and crab fat enterprise in Macabebe and Masantol.
The starter packs were launched by the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council.
This is in partnership with Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
DOST also asked higher education institutions in the province to be part of the program. (MJSC/JLDC-PIA 3)
