Smarter SMEs through Technological Innovations

Our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) spur bullish economic ventures in the countryside.
Significantly, they are the cradles for large and successful business industries, and serve as the
bedrocks for helpful products and services.
In its directive to strategically implement efficient S&T services, the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) is undertaking ‘smarter’ SME-based projects to help the entrepreneurial
sector towards expanding greater market access.
Dubbed as DOST’s banner program, the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program
(SETUP) is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist SMEs to adapt technological
innovations that enable to boost their competitiveness and sustain the economic growth in the
countryside.
The program allows SMEs in the micro and regional level to address their technical difficulties
through various technology interventions to include technology acquisition, technology trainings,
process and equipment design, packaging, productivity improvement, packaging and labelling,
waste management, and laboratory and testing services, among others.
Since its rigid implementation in 2003, a total of --- SMEs in the Visayas region have benefited
from SETUP. These growing figure of SMEs bound to intensify the country’s labor force,
generate innovative products and services that cater to the demands of the global and domestic
market, and likewise serve as key players in stepping up the value chain of the business sector.
Primarily, SETUP concentrates its efforts in the fields of Food Processing, Furniture, Gifts,
Decors and Handicrafts, Aquatic and Marine, Horticulture/Agriculture, Metals and Engineering,
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)/ Electronics, Health Products and services.
Trappist Monastic Food Products
Jordan, Guimaras

The Trappist Monastic Food Products is one of the major players in the production of various
kinds of processed products. The company is an income-generating venture of the Our Lady of
the Philippines Abbey, Inc., popularly known as the Trappist Monastery.
The food processing activities of the monks started way back in 1974 with a small production of
preserves from locally grown fruits. Its products became saleable that production has increased
steadily.
In heeding the call for Trappist Monastic Food
Products’ growing market, the company ventured
into dried mango production and sought assistance
with DOST’s Small Enterprises Technology
Upgrading Program (SETUP) to further improve
the company’s manufacturing technology.
The SETUP commences the partnership of two
firms. The first phase of the project gave birth to
the acquisition of food production facilities such as
steam jacketed kettle, filling machine, and printing
and packaging materials.
These series of technological breakthroughs from
DOST enabled and will enable Trappist to
efficiently and effectively meet its growing demand.
In 2012, the company applied again for assistance
under the SETUP project entitled Upgrading of
Production Facility and Packaging Improvement for Trappist Mango-based Pasalubong
Products. Technologies that were acquired include form fill seal horizontal machine, printed
plastic packaging materials and packaging box materials.
With the constant innovation, the company has enhanced its product quality in terms of
consistency and increased shelf life. Secondly, productivity was improved in the product
packaging process. The form fill seal horizontal machine reduced the time spent by seventy-five
percent (75%) (from 8 hours to 2 hours) with the same number of manpower complement.
Iloilo Kawayan Marketing
Maasin, Iloilo

The Iloilo Kawayan Marketing (IKMAR), owned by Atty. Ma. Theresa “Sweet” Malones-Sanchez,
is one testament of Maasin‘s abounding bamboo industry. Brazenly standing in the Malones’
humble abode, the business kicked off its bamboo production in 2006.
The company currently takes pride in producing top feature bamboo products used as dining
utensils. Barbecue sticks, chopsticks and tooth
picks garnered tremendous gains from Pinoy
favorite fast food and business chains.
In 2008, IKMAR availed the DOST’s SETUP.
The assistance, which sought to enhance and
upgrade the company’s production process,
allowed them to participate in various
technology trainings and consultancy services.
In 2012, the company has once again tapped
DOST‘s expertise in upgrading a facility that will
turn its 60% generated waste into an income-
Bamboo Charcoal Briquettes produced from profiting product. Such product known as
saw dust. bamboo charcoal briquette is considered to be
a “first” in the region.
SETUP has provided a dryer and briquette machine which aim to reduce waste by converting
the bamboo shavings into bamboo charcoal briquettes. The bamboo charcoal briquettes proved
to be an effective substitute cooking fuel with a higher heating rate compare to other woods.
Moreover, it is used in poultry farms to provide warmth to newly-hatched chicks.
IKMAR’s impressive feat has attested how the lowly bamboos spawn vast market opportunities.
Worthwhile chances that continue to build up the potential of the locals.