CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Thirty firms in northern Mindanao are expected to benefit from the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) implementation of the Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program this year

This consulting program is meant to help firms reach their full potential and be more productive.

MPEX offers consultations and assessments to help business owners find ways to improve, adopt new technologies, and get better at running their businesses.

Through the 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 get help with their FDA LTO application, Certificate of Product Registration, plant layout, and food safety trainings like basic food hygiene and good manufacturing practices. MSMEs are also assisted in their packaging and labeling.

Six companies from each province have signed up for MPEX so far for 2023. Most of these companies are in the food processing business.

The completion of each productivity consulting project shall be accomplished in six 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.

By means of the Subject Matter Specialist Program, the DOST has accredited the agency’s MPEX technical consultants. Among their lines of expertise are food technology, chemical processing, 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.

DOST implements MPEX on a yearly basis throughout the nation 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 indicate their interest by writing a letter of intent addressed to the director of the nearest provincial science and technology offices. (DOST-10/PIA-10)