DOST Central Office (Photo courtesy of DOST)
MANILA – A biodegradable plastic manufacturer in Caraga has received a PHP3 -million loan from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said.
MJ Printing Services is the first local manufacturer of biodegradable plastics in the region, and the loan will be used to acquire advanced film and cutting machines, he said in a Viber message.
The fund was already released by the DOST-Caraga through the Provincial Science and Technology Center of Agusan del Norte.
The equipment will address the technological gaps, and eventually increase the overall productivity and capacity of the business operation.
Aside from equipment upgrading, MJ Printing Services will be enrolled in the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX) and other suitable science and technology services.
De la Peña said the firm is owned and managed by a former overseas Filipino worker who strongly advocates "reduce, reuse, recycle" and environmental responsibility.
"Since 2018, the firm has been providing durable and biodegradable plastic sando bags to its customers from the municipality of Magallanes, Cabadbaran City, Butuan City and other neighboring municipalities. It collects or buys plastic wastes from the households and neighboring communities at a minimum rate per kilo," he said.
These materials are then processed and turned into recycled sando bags.
Meanwhile, the loan was availed through the DOST's Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program, which aims to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting technological innovations to improve their products and operations.
The DOST helps improve the MSMEs' productivity and competitiveness by providing them with a loan that is payable in three years. (PNA)
