By Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA
CITY - JAM JC Marketing, a food
processor in Mahayag, Zamboanga Del Sur finally gets the
nod of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 as the department
recently approved the sum of P676,000.00 as its financial and technical
assistance to the said firm.
Funded under the Small
Enterprise Technology and Upgrading Program (SETUP) of DOST, the fund
assistance will be used to upgrade the firm’s palay drying process by the
fabrication of one unit 6-tons capacity mechanical rice dryer.
DOST in its press release
said the mechanical rice dryer is capable of shorter drying period, therefore
would yield higher output and more efficient production process.
The dryer will be
utilizing the rice hull as its fuel, making way for cost-effective,
environment-friendly, and more sustainable operation.
“The mechanical rice dryer
will definitely hasten the drying process for palay thereby enabling the firm
to increase productivity, reduce rejects of raw materials, increase income and
generate at least two additional employment opportunities for the local,” the
DOST statement reads.
Aside from the equipment,
the amount approved will also include the conduct of a process and system
improvement sessions to boost the competency of the firm and its
workforce.
The firm currently
operates a total of 26 hectares rice plantation with the local farmers
cultivating the area.
JAM JC Marketing also
caters to other farmers and small palay buyers on drying and milling services. The
current practice of the firm is open solar drying.
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 which focuses on six
(6) priority sectors: 1. Food Processing; 2. Furniture; 3. Gifts, Decors
& Handicrafts; 4. Marine and Aquatic Resources; 5. Horticulture (Cut flowers,
fruits, high value crops); and 6. Metals and Engineering. (PIA9)