Tabuk City, Kalinga (10 July) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Central Office, through the Small Enterprise Technology Program (SET-UP) approved two additional proposals to improve the manufacturing businesses in the province.

These businesses are the yema processing of Amazing Bounty managed by Ms. Sheila Mae D. Romero of Dagupan, Tabuk City and the rice noodles processing of Kalinga Food Treat operated by Ms. Iluminada B. Calbuyao of Agbannawag, this city.

DOST Provincial Officer Alfonso Berto said that DOST central office has approved P150,000.00 for the yema processing and P400,000.00 for the rice noodles processing. These amounts will be used to purchase food processing equipment.

Last May, the DOST also approved P200,000.00 worth of equipment for the upgrading of the fruit wine processing of Nancy Processed Foods and Wines managed by Ms. Nancy Busacay of Dagupan West.

Berto said the DOST will pay the equipment directly to the supplier after which the firm will pay in monthly installment for a period of three years without interest.

"It is important that the bidding or canvassing of equipment is done jointly by the owner of the firm and the DOST staff so that the specifications of the equipment to be purchased are properly checked", he said.

DOST is continuously accepting applications from businesses who are engaged on manufacturing.