Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing signs MOA with DOST for P2.9M SET UP projects

The Department of Science and Technology – Caraga (DOSTCaraga), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office – Surigao del Norte (PSTO-SDN), forged a Memorandum of Agreement with Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing on September 23, 2022.

The said MOA is for the project entitled “Product Quality and Process Improvement for Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing through Science and Technology Intervention” with an approved project cost amounting to P2,957,339.00 million under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing started its operation in 2018 as a sole proprietorship business owned and managed by Mrs. Gemma S. Rebuta. Mrs. Rebuta is a businesswoman who started her career as a medical representative before opening her own pharmacy - the Aquariane Pharmacy in Surigao City in 2002.

In 2017, the proponent acquired skills in producing turmeric powder from a friend who taught her the process. Being an advocate of natural medicine, she realized the need to develop a product with more than one raw material composition to attain a more healthier food product for

consumers. With this, she underwent research and development and formulated the 28-in-1 powdered juice drink which is now known for its vast variety of medicinal benefits.

Currently, the proponent is an active member of Caraga Regional Association of Traders and Entrepreneurs in Foods (CReATE Foods) and has been supplying the above-mentioned establishments regularly. During the pandemic, the mining companies are one of its major markets as they purchased powered juice drink in bulk distributed to employees and different communities. The firm also receives and caters repeat orders from walk-in customers from various provinces and regions and has been supplying to grocery and commercial stores in the city.

However, due to limited capacity of production machineries, the business cannot increase its production volume and expand its market reach. With this, the proponent sought assistance to DOST through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program to upgrade its existing equipment and accommodate the increasing demand of her customers/clients.

During the MOA signing, DOST-Surigao del Norte and Aquariane Food Products Manufacturing pledged to extend their full support and commitment for the effective implementation of the aforementioned SETUP project.

SETUP enables firms to address their technical problems through acquisition and transfer of technology interventions. DOSTSurigao del Norte is also inviting interested MSMEs in the province to avail of the SETUP Program. Message our page Department of Science and Technology - Surigao del Norte to know more about the benefits, requirements, and identified priority sectors. (DOST-SDN/ PIASurigao del Norte)