CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Thirty firms in Northern Mindanao are expected to benefit from the Department of Science and Technology’s implementation of the Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program this year. This consultancy program is designed to unlock the firms’ potential and achieve greater levels of productivity.
MPEX provides consultations and assessments to identify areas for improvement, adopt modern technologies, and improve their skills and knowledge in managing their businesses.
Through 27 competent in-house experts of the agency, enrolled MSMEs in the manufacturing sector are expected to increase efficiency and profitability through improved processes, better equipment, and more. MSMEs are assisted in their FDA LTO Application, Certificate of Product Registration, Plant Layout, and food safety trainings such as basic food hygiene and good manufacturing practices. MSMEs are also assisted in their packaging and labels.
For 2023, 6 firms from each province have been initially enrolled in MPEX, most of which are in the food processing industry.
The completion of each productivity consulting project shall be accomplished in six (6) months. The six-month period comprises the onsite visit and consultation for the data gathering for the technical needs assessment and installation of recommendations and online consultations for monitoring and progress on the implementation of the recommendations. The team will submit a technical report at the end of the consultancy documenting the assessment, analysis, recommendations, and evaluation.
The MPEX technical consultants from the agency have been accredited by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Subject Matter Specialist Program. Among their lines of expertise are Food Technology, Chemical Processes, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Management. Through a series of consultations, productivity improvement measures will be recommended for immediate implementation as they gear toward their goals.
MPEX is implemented yearly by DOST throughout the country to continuously develop MSMEs. Upgraded firms are expected to contribute to the overall economic growth of the country, and become globally competitive and sustainable.
Interested MSMEs may signify their interest by writing a letter of intent addressed to the director of the nearest Provincial Science and Technology Offices. (Raziel Antoniette Bayagna/DOST10)