DOST-I awards Php 556K financial assistance to La Union food processors
The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. I (DOST-I) through its Provincial Science and Technology Center – La Union (PSTC-La Union) awarded financial assistance to Gintong Gubat Farmers Association sa Santol La Union Inc. (GGFASLUI) and CZ Foods L.U. Inc. on 11 August 2021 at the DOST-I in the City of San Fernando, La Union.
GGFASLUI is an association organized by Elvira L. Gonzalo, Livelihood Focal Person of LGU Santol and guided by Municipal Mayor, Engr. Magno A. Wailan. The members of the association were united to create a good camaraderie in the community and to promote sustainable livelihood.
GGFASLUI is headed by Susana D. Quianio. The association took the opportunity of processing Turmeric tea/powder due to the abundance of the commodity in the community. They have received funds worth PhP 127,700.00 for the acquisition of necessary equipment such as juice extractor, pulverizer, cooking vat and impulse sealer. The DOST-I will also provide packaging materials and labeling design to encourage potential buyers to purchase the product and build customer’s trust on the products being offered.
The association is a beneficiary under the DOST Grants-In-Aid Program that is designed to contribute to productivity improvement and the quality of life of Filipinos. The program provides financial grants to S&T programs/projects to spur sustainable economic growth for the country.
On the other hand, CZ Foods L.U. Inc. is a beneficiary under the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). The program aims to encourage and assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt technological innovations to improve their products, services, operations and increase their productivity and competitiveness.
The firm is well-known by the business name “Café Esperanza”. It is famous for its delicious products such as native delicacies, cakes and pastries. Located near St. William the Hermit Parish Church along P. Gomez St. in the city town proper of San Fernando, La Union, the café has attracted many customers with its delectable food offerings.
Café Esperanza received an assistance worth Php 428,300.00 for the upgrading of their production process and equipment. During the awarding, Ma. Carmenzita DG Erfe, the manager, expressed her gratitude to DOST-I for the financial assistance and technical services provided by the agency that will help them improve their knowledge in the food processing business and will boost their capacity to cater to more customers.
Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, DOST-I regional director, personally awarded the check to the beneficiaries and reiterated the responsibilities of both parties. Jonathan M. Viernes, provincial director, and the project staffs of PSTC-LU were also present during the awarding. (By Engr. Eiryz Clyde Angelique D. Orpilla and Ms. Catherine M. David, DOST PSTC-La Union)
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