MSMEs told: Take advantage of DOST's programs

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is calling on Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Cebu to take advantage of the various support programs of the agency to keep up with the fast evolving technology.

DOST secretary Fortunato T. De la Peña made this statement yesterday during the formal opening of the Innovation Summit Conference and Expo, the highlight event of the Cebu Business Month (CBM 2018) organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Although Cebu is an active benefactor of several innovation, technology programs of DOST, De la Peña reminded the business sector that the government has various support programs for innovation and that catching up with technology and stay ahead with competition is easier to achieve.

De la Peña mentioned that the Duterte administration is running with "three eyes" or three main focuses, which are infrastructure; inter-connectivity and innovation.

The secretary quoted the President's loud pronouncements in various events heralding his call for adaption of innovation for collective prosperity.

While the government is setting up platforms for "true" progress, such as fixing the infrastructure (via build-build-build program), and several programs that push the development of technology adaption, it is also asking the public to participate and collaborate with the government's initiatives.

De la Peña cited the recent study made by a private consultancy firm, in partnership with CCCI, which revealed that about 50 percent of businesses in Central Visayas believe that it is important to embrace innovation in their respective businesses.

DOST he said is opening its doors to collaborate and be the partner of the business sector's technology adaption and catching up with the innovation tide, so as not to miss the golden opportunities in the fast growing economy of the Philippines.