OLONGAPO CITY--The Department of Science and Technology has started applying technology to small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost their production and expand their business.

The DOST last week held a science and technology fair in this city for SMEs in Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon to showcase products that the agency had helped develop through technical assistance to manufacturers.

Science Secretary Estrella Alabastro said the DOST was focused on helping industries involved in food processing, furniture, fashion accessories, gift, housewares, decor, handicraft, natural fibers and dyes, marine and aquatic resources, horticulture, metals and engineering.

"The criteria we used to focus on these industries are the potential of technology to contribute to the competitiveness of enterprises in these areas," she said.

The fair, which started on Nov. 11 and ended Nov. 14, showcased products from Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and Bicol.

DOST records showed SMEs account for 53 percent of total employment generated and represent around 60 percent of exporting firms in the country.

"[With these] technological interventions, [we hope the DOST can help] grow domestic markets and assist SMEs in entering non-traditional markets to sustain their growth and competitiveness," said Alabastro.

She said the DOST has launched the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Set-Up) to help entrepreneurs in overcoming obstacles to competitiveness and growth.

Through Set-Up, she said the DOST will fill the knowledge gaps of entrepreneurs, provide them with technology and opinions of experts, as well as give them access to capital, markets, information and facilities for the testing of their products.

"To make a profit, these entrepreneurs need to find a way to increase productivity and lower their costs. That's where Set-Up comes in. We will help them achieve sustainable growth and competitiveness through our programs," Alabastro said.