DOST launches MPEX program for SME sector

LEGAZPI CITY, March 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched the Manufacturing Productivity Extension for Export (MPEX) promotion program to help increase the productivity of small and medium enterprises or SMEs in the manufacturing sector by at least 30 percent through in-house productivity consultancy.

The DOST regional office here reports that the priority sectors covers agro and food processing, furniture, gifts and holiday decors (GHD), information technology, materials science, metals and engineering, and micro electronics.

Cooperating agencies that helped in the realization of this program in the Bicol region include the Bicol University and Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges.

Aside from introducing productivity strategies to different firms in the export sector and potential exporters, the program also provides productivity improvement measures for immediate implementation, and initiates other forms of assistance to develop these manufacturing sectors.

Productivity improvement is focused in the areas such as Capacity Utilization, Product Design and Packaging, Layout, Production Planning and Control, Materials Management System, etc.

DOST V has advised stakeholders that to avail of MPEX program, firm beneficiaries may be endorsed by industry associations, the TI, or may apply directly to the DOST V regional office.

MPEX consultants may also recommend firms for inclusion in the program.

The firms are then screened by a DOST program coordinator, with a team leader of consultants.

As of this time, total assets of firms to be assisted for micro-enterprise ranges up to P3 million, while P3,000,001 to P15 million for small enterprise, and P15,000,000 to P100 million for medium enterprise. (MAL/NDR, PIA V/Albay)

Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan

DOH Health Fiesta Caravan Rolls Into Town

LEGAZPI CITY, March 9 (PIA) – The people of Libon eagerly awaits the arrival of the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK), a colorful and festive health promotion caravan of the Department of Health (DOH), in time for Women’s Month celebrations.

Residents of Libon are in for an exciting experience as the LBK rolls into town promoting crucial health messages in a fiesta setting on the importance of pre-natal check-up, birth planning, safe pregnancy and delivery, birth spacing, proper nutrition, child immunization, handwashing, mental health, prevention of disability and health insurance.

The caravan includes a bus as a mobile counseling and examination clinic together with interactive health exhibit, storytelling sessions, sing and dance – along activities and games on health.

Mayor Agnes P. Dycoco expressed pride in being the host of the first LBK health caravan in Albay and in the Bicol Region aptly titled Libon Buhay Kalusugan: KP on Wheels.

“This ties in with our initiatives to promote good health among the people of Libon. We believe that prioritizing health ensures the municipality’s continuous progress, “Dycoco said.

LBK carries the message, “Walanng Iwanan sa Biyaheng Kalusugan” (No One Left Behind in the Journey to Health), to highlight the government’s goal of providing all Filipinos access to health.

This March, the DOH also commemorates Women’s Health Month.

“It is but fitting that we bring LBK to Libon to remind pregnant women to be better prepared in welcoming new life, “says DOH CHD Bicol Director Nestor F. Santiago Jr.

LBK is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Dona Marta T. Hernandez Foundation of Victory Liner Inc., Melawares, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Air 21, OMF Literature Inc., Dakila – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, Manila Broadcasting Company, UNTV, Center for Community Journalism and Development, Philippine Press Institute, and the Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates International, Inc., and other local partners.