Funding assistance amounting to P1,380,000.00 was approved for Anamel Agrivet Supply and Rice Mill, an agri-based firm based in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay. The firm, which is now on its 2nd project phase of assistance from the Department of Science and Technology – Regional Office no. IX, re-availed the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) for the provision of a one (01) unit mechanical grain dryer.
The aforementioned technology is a system of drying through the reduction of moisture of the grains, often corn and rice, to a level ideal for storage. The whole process only takes approximately 24 hours, thereby reducing rejects due to spoilage.
The firm expects to produce quality rice, enhance productivity by up to 25%, and create three (03) new jobs as a result of the facility upgrades.
The Provincial S&T Director, Ms. Jennifer A. Pidor, personally turned over the fund checks to Mr. Romel V. Gaspar, project cooperator and proprietor of Anamel Agrivet Supply and Rice Mill. The first tranche of the funds was released to the proprietor last 20 August 2021 amounting to ₱750,000.00 for the procurement and fabrication of the equipment, while the second tranche of fund was released last 17 March 2022 amounting to ₱630,000.00, after the installation and dry run of the equipment.
DOST SETUP aims to improve productivity through different technological interventions such as acquisition of innovative and cost-effective facilities; product development; process improvement; workforce capacity empowerment; and consultancy services, among others.
(Source: Press Release – DOST Region 9)
