DOST to showcase programs for SMEs, communities

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is holding a “Technical Session on DOST’s Major Programs and Projects” as one of the major activities during the 2017 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) regional celebration on Nov. 22-24.

The event is geared towards providing fast and reliable science and technology services to the people here in Region 9.

The NSTW regional celebration will be held back-to-back with the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) in one of the local hotels.

DOST OIC-Regional Director Martin Wee on Tuesday said they will present the top programs and services of the agency during the technical session which is scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. Thursday.

Among the DOST’s top technologies and services that will be presented, include the DOST’s flagship program, the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), which encourages and assists Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to adopt technology innovations to improve their operations and thus boost their productivity and competitiveness.

Among  to be presented are One Expert, an online “interactive nationwide pool of science and technology experts” that provide technical advice and consultancy services to Filipinos anywhere in the Philippines; and One Store - the first government e-commerce platform developed to promote and market local goods produced by DOST-assisted local entrepreneurs through the SETUP.

Wee said that the One Lab program will also be featured during the NSTW.

Wee said the One Lab program facilitates customers, enterprises, and industries access to specific DOST lab services anywhere in the country; while the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology-Upscaling for Progress (CEST-UP), which provides assistance to the poorest of the poor communities in the country through Science and Technology (S&T).

He said the event is open to all interested individuals like S&T enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, students, researchers, inventors, innovators, professionals and the general public. (PNA)