ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Science and Technology IX has released P700 thousand for the newly approved project of
the Sulo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (SARBEMCO) in Naga,
Zamboanga Sibugay.
In a press release, DOST’s
Small Enterprise Technology and Upgrading Program (SETUP) approved the project “Upgrading
of Abaca Processing Facility of SARBEMCO,” for them to acquire five units of
Abaca spindle stripping machines to service the abaca plantation of the
cooperative.
The fund assistance
targets to increase the fiber production efficiency of the farmers-strippers,
from 15 kilograms to 50 kilograms per day, to showcase the production of
quality abaca fibers and to increase the farm productivity of the cooperative.
With only 75 hectares
fully planted with abaca out of the 500 hectares targeted parcel, the
cooperative initiated intercrop production of rubber latex and abaca fibers and
specializes in handicrafts and horticulture. With their desire to expand the
abaca plantation, SETUP procured 5 units of stripping machine to support abaca
fiber production.
DOST-IX will also conduct
procedures to improve the cooperative’s system and production process, and
develop the manpower through skills training as part of the technological
interventions..
SETUP
is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist
micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in
implementing technological innovations and improvements in their operations to
boost their productivity and competitiveness.
For more information, interested parties may visit or call DOST-Regional Office IX, Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024; the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Upper Turno, Dipolog City, telephone numbers (065) 212-2244; Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City with telephone number (062) 925-1152; and the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with telephone numbers (062) 333-2793; or you may visit the DOST-IX website at www.region9.dost.gov.ph. (DOST9/PIA9)