The Press Conference with the Assistant Secretary Carol M. Yorobe and the organizers and partners of the 5th Visayas Cluster S & T Fair was held at the 2nd Floor of Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City on August 3, 2009 at 11-12 PM.Among the major questions asked were on the progress of the DOST efforts in terms of assisting the SMEs. Asec Yorobe encouraged the Directors of DOST 6, 7, 8 to answer the question being the host cluster. Engr. Rowen Gelonga of DOST 6 emphasized the role of DOST and its integrated services to support SMEs under the banner of the SETUP program. He pointed out that DOST has made significant contribution to the SMEs citing that a lot of them have penetrated the global market as a result of DOST interventions. Prolonging the shelf-life of products is just one of those impacts. Dir. Rene Burt Llanto of DOST 7 stated that in addition to the usual services they have provided energy audit services to SMEs. DOST 7 also pioneered on the use of e-commerce in marketing their product worldwide via the Internet using the Paypal system as payment mechanism. He also added that DOST is now embarking on ISO 9001 accreditation which ensures quality services to clients. DOST also provide equipment fabrication assistance. In his part Engr. Edgardo Esperancilla, DOST-8, emphasized consultancy services as another support services for improving the productivity of SMEs, emphasizing MPEX and CAPE programs. He also stressed other programs not only in support to SMEs because DOST Regional office serves as mini DOST taking works of almost every attached agencies of DOST.
Another major concern is on the point that "marketing is a weakness of the agency" citing specific case of the gas stove developed in VSU which was not fully disseminated in the market. Has DOST done something about it?
Assistant Secretary Yorobe emphasized that marketing can be viewed in two aspects: marketing of the technology and marketing of the product. DOST has been intensive in technology marketing as emphasized by Sec. Alabastro to every DOST agencies to make available every technology to interested users. Product marketing is carried out in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). She cited the Techno-Mart of PCARRD. DOST also helps in promoting the product after the technology has been developed citing the products of PTRI fiber processing and dying technology.
A question was raised as to how much fund the DOST appropriated for the SETUP program. Asec. Yorobe mentioned about PhP200 Million is allocated for 2009 of which, presently, there are 175 projects both approved and in the pipeline. DOST has been proactive in coming up with projects because of the support of RDIs also. In addition DOST is looking not only at small firms but also community based projects. Last year it was about PhP 150 M. These funds are directed towards the following sectors: Food, Aqua-marine, Furniture, Metals and Engineering, Gifts Holiday Decors (GHD), and Horticulture.
An inventor asked the group about programs for on inventors. Engr. Edgar Garcia of TAPI emphasized that their agency is tasked assist inventors through Republic Act 7459. Several assistance are provided from patenting to prototyping of inventions all the inventors need to do is come to DOST Regional Offices who served as a window for TAPI. Dir. Carlos Tomboc of PTRI added and emphasized other services DOST can give to inventors citing: Inventors Week and Invention Contest.
The Press Conference was ended with the closing message of Dir Esperancilla who thanked the media and other guests.
