Author: Dhannize Mae M. Pili, SRS I, PSTO Tarlac
During his recent visit to the DOST regional office in Central Luzon, Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. witnessed firsthand how the application of appropriate technologies can help local businesses by enabling them to produce products that can compete globally.
Thus, upon seeing the exquisitely crafted sugar flower decorations manufactured by the Golden Crown Petals and Herbs (GCPH) based in Tarlac City, Secretary solidum enthused, “May kakayahan ang ating mga kababayan sa kanilang mga negosyo na maging world class, na mabenta hindi lang dito kundi sa ibang bansa… Kaya nga ang gusto ko sa ating pagpapatakbo ng ating mga tulong sa ating mga kababayan, dapat ang ating mensahe ay mahalaga na mai-emphasize, madiin ang kahalagahan ng syensya at teknolohiya, kaya nga “Sa syensya at teknolohiya, negosyo ay tiyak kikita”.
Under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of DOST, micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can avail of technological innovations that can elevate their businesses from kitchen-scale to world-class enterprises. Through SETUP they are provided means to access equipment and technologies that can revolutionize their production processes leading to a wider market reach, yes, even reaching foreign shores.
GCPH owner Miss Fe Esperanza Sado attributes some of the success of her business venture to SETUP which now exports their products to 15 countries across Asia, Australia, America, Europe, and Africa, which comprises 99% of its market. Says Ms. Sado, “Now, more than ever, I consider DOST as heaven sent because now, I am proud to present the fruits of DOST labor with GCP, and we are still growing!”.
Through the program, the firm was also able to acquire solar power technologies enabling them to harness sustainable and renewable energy source thus allowing the firm to meet its growing production demand.
DOST Secretary Solidum (middlemost) talks with GCPH owner Ms. Fe Esperanza A. Sado (in white top), along with other DOST officials during the project visit.