Biliran PSTC conducts MPEX pre-assessment

Three micro enterprises in Biliran were pre-assessed on November 10, 2009 for possible assistance under the DOST-8's continuing effort to improve the productivity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Two beneficiaries were considered under Manufacturing Productivty Expansion Program (MPEX) as well as possible innovation support and one to be considered only for technology acquisition support. The Caril's Furniture in Naval, Biliran, which was earlier favorably evaluated by SETUP National Program Management Office (NPMO), is specializing in wood furniture but uses manual tools in boring and curve cutting. The firm needs to acquire new tools to improve their productivity. Training on wood bending and wood finishing techniques is proposed for next year's intervention.

ES Cator Steel Works is another firm considered for MPEX. They specializes on body building for motor cabs and tricycles, grilles, steel trusses, and other steel works. Their current need is on improvement on their welding and metal bending facility. The last one is Ungale Handicraft in Brgy. Ungale, Kawayan, Biliran, which specializes in home decors and novelty gift items made from abaca based materials and other local indigenous raw materials. They are hoping to upgrade their facility by acquiring new equipment for sewing the weaving of abaca.

The assessment team was headed by Ms. Mae Anne D. Reyes, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Executive Manager of DOST-8 Technology Transfer and Commercialization Unit and Ms. Lucy Dauz, Science Research Specialist II and Coordinator of the DOST-8 MPEX project together with the Biliran Provincial S & T Director, Mr. Romeo L. Dignos.