MANILA — The Department of Science and Technology said it continues to work to provide technology guidance to many Filipino entrepreneurs, as part of  government’s efforts to strengthen local small businesses and start-ups.

Micro, small and medium enterprises accounted for more than nine of every ten businesses registered in the Philippines in 2023, according to Department of Trade and Industry data.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum noted in a televised briefing that the agency has been able to help 560 MSMEs across various industries in 2024 alone through the provision of interest-free loans of up to P5 million.

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Beyond the loans, he said, DOST has also provided technology guidance to help the businesses earn better.

“Kaya ang sinasabi ko nga, pagdating sa mga negosyo kapag gumamit sila ng siyensiya at teknolohiya, negosyo nila ay tiyak na kikita, kasi ang repayment ng ating tinutulungan ay mataas, mahigit 80%,” Solidum said.

(As I have said, if they use science and technology, their businesses will be sure to make a profit. The repayment by those we help is at more than 80%)

He said that he has seen some of the DOST’s beneficiaries earn enough to put up two-storey homes.

“Talagang science, technology and innovation transform people’s lives.”

(Science, technology and innovation really transform people’s lives) 

Solidum said small businesses can use innovation and technology such as artificial intelligence for success and growth.

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For example, he said, a start-up that has a distribution network of sari-sari stores can use machine learning and artificial intelligence to look at sales data and see which products are seeing good sales, and where.

“Malalaman ngayon ng sari-sari store owner, ito pala, dito ako magpo-focus, at iyong mga producer din, ganoon din sa distributor. Puwede rin nilang makita kung nauubusan na iyong supply. So, mapaplano nila iyong kanilang ruta ng logistics.”

(So the sari-sari store owner and the producer will know that to focus on. The distributor can do the same. They will also be able to see if stores are about to run out of stocks. So, they can plan their logistics routes)

The DOST currently has 91 technology business incubation hubs where they provide grants to state universities and colleges and even private higher education institutions for two years to develop advocacies to help start-ups, Solidum said.