As part of the 2026 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to name the best Micro, Small, and Medium Filipino enterprises (MSMEs) under its flagship program, the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) this November in General Santos City.
Defining SETUP and its premise
SETUP is a DOST initiative to promote the competitiveness of local MSMES, boosting their productivity through various science and technology solutions, assistance, and funding.
It provides industry-level support to address production gaps and challenges, alongside offering necessary technology training and consultancy directly from accredited specialists and experts.
As of June 2026, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. reported that the program had already reached more than 80,000 beneficiaries across the country, creating over 41,000 job opportunities nationwide, and SME funding support amounting to PHP2.9 billion.
“Every peso invested in science is an investment in people. When productivity increases, income increases. When efficiency improves, opportunities expand,” he said during this year’s State of the Department Address (SODA) last June.
DOST further eyes SETUP to enable MSMEs to improve product quality with higher volume, less waste, and enhanced competitiveness in larger markets.
The program focuses on key industries in the country, such as forestry, agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, goods, services, and technology.
SETUP awards and past winners
MSMEs across the Philippines shall be named as this year’s best in four major categories, specifically: Championing Innovation and Resource Circularity for Local Enterprises (CIRCLE); Most Industry 4.0-Ready Award (I-READY); Most Industry 4.0 Champion of Innovation Award (ICON); and the SETUP Praise.
Circle Award recognizes the MSME that advances circularity within their production, demonstrating scalable and impactful solutions similar to last year’s winner, Llouisse and Ai Souvenir Shop of the Eastern Visayas.
The said souvenir shop adopted eco-friendly practices, including repurposing materials, minimized waste, and improved resource efficiency and circular production.
Cognitif Inc. from the National Capital Region, on the other hand, bagged the I-READY award after showing its readiness to integrate Industry 4.0 in its operation.
BAUERTEK Farmaceutical Technologies Corporation from Region III took the ICON award, as they maximize the similar industry agenda in their operations which focuses on Malunggay plantation and biocharcoal products.
Recently, its general manager, Richard Nixon Gomez, shared how their corporation fronts circularity and ways it can be replicated, not only in every region in the Philippines but also among the ASEAN, during a regional dialogue on circular economy.
Meanwhile, for the SETUP Praise, Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation from the Ilocos Region was recognized for its productivity, resilience, agility, innovativeness, sustainability, and excellence in adopting science and technology through the program.
Nutridense specializes in producing healthy, nutritious, and research-based food products, particularly aimed at addressing the nutrition of Filipino children.
The said enterprise was also hailed as the 2025 Presidential Awardee for Outstanding MSMEs.
About NSTW
The SETUP Awards is one of the highlights of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW), an annual celebration organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that highlights the country’s scientific and technological achievements, research and development (R&D) projects, and innovative solutions. The event brings together researchers, innovators, industries, government agencies, the academe, and communities to showcase how science, technology, and innovation (STI) contribute to inclusive, sustainable, and resilient national development. The NSTW serves as a platform for promoting homegrown technologies, strengthening collaboration among STI stakeholders, and bringing science-based solutions closer to Filipinos. This year’s NSTW will be held on November 25–29 in General Santos City, South Cotabato. For more information, visit www.nstw.dost.gov.ph or the NSTW Facebook page. (By Karl Jerome M. del Mundo, DOST-STII)
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