AGNOR MSMES COMPLETE DOST’S CONSULTANCY FOR PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAM

A total of 10 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the province of Agusan del Norte completed one of the consultancy programs of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - the Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) on July 21, 2021.

The MPEX graduation was conducted virtually which officially announced the successful implementers and reported the initial impacts of the science and technology interventions recommended after completing the six-month period that started in January 2021.

These firms included: 1. Papelemento Visual Arts and Scenography; 2. Janikka’s Catering; 3. Via Prints; 4. Raserproject Arts and Designs; 5. Chris Food Products; 6. D’ Paul Sign Fabricators; 7. Raquel’s Calamansi Juice; 8. McLoy Cycle Parts and General Merchandise; 9. Lovely Bakeshop; 10. Zandy’s Goodies

MPEX is one of DOST’s consultancy services, which aims to improve the overall efficiency and profitability of MSMEs by producing better products and services; reducing operational expenses; attaining more productive and safer workplaces; and developing more appropriately skilled manpower.

DOST Caraga tapped the expertise of the Summit Consultancy and Research Services (SCRS) headed by Engr. Baby R. Lim, together with her competent team, who served as the program’s consultant.

The intervention included a six-monthlong consultation

and implementation of the consultant’s recommendations based on the firm’s science and technology needs and existing systems. The program looked into the different priority areas of the firms’ operations, which included:

Capacity Utilization; Product Design and Packaging; Production Planning and Control; Materials Management System; Quality Control Assurance System; Financial Systems and Control; Machine and Equipment Utilization; Cleaner Production Technologies; Safety and Housekeeping Practices; Layout; Manufacturing System; Work Organization; Human Resource Utilization; Processes and Operations; Plant Maintenance; Energy Audit; Food Safety; and Wastage Levels.

Among the participating firms of the province, Zandy’s Goodies was hailed the Best MPEX Implementer after conforming with the consultant’s recommendations and eventually showed significant increases on the enterprise’s sales, labor productivity and production volume, market expansion, and improvement of other areas in its operation.

Lorina Margate of Zandy’s Goodies shared that it is through the consultancy program that greatly helped increase their sales amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The proprietor further looks forward to continue implementing all the changes and recommendations provided by the consultants for the sustained efficiency and productivity of the firm.

The above-mentioned firms received their certificates of completion for the MPEX program, while the implementation of the consultants’ recommendations stated in the final report shall continuously be monitored by the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of Agusan del Norte. According to Imelda S. Mezo, office-in-charge for the Office of the Regional Director, DOST Caraga, they are hoping that the MPEX beneficiaries will continue to implement the recommendations given by the consultants.

Moreover, DOST Caraga Assistant Regional Director Ricardo N. Varela expressed his commitment, along with the efforts of the regional staff and the PSTCs, to continue the effective implementation of DOST’s consultancy services for the benefit of the region’s production and manufacturing sector.

Thirty-five (35) firms from the other provinces in Caraga also completed the said program. Since 2012, there are already 357 firms across the region which benefited the MPEX consultancy service of DOST. These MSMEs are at the same time recipients of DOST’s flagship program, the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). (DOST Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)