DOST-7 funds upgrading of bakery, souvenir center in Siquijor

By Rizalie A. Calibo

Friday 3rd of August 2012

SIQUIJOR, Aug 3 (PIA) -- Another upgrading project in Enrique Villanueva town was approved and funded under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 7.

The Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center of Poblacion, which is owned and managed by Elena T. Ibera is a recipient of funds amounting to P378,500 from the DOST-SETUP to facilitate the acquisition and fabrication of equipment and materials needed for the upgrading of its baking technology.

Science and Technology interventions for the project include introduction of an efficient bakery equipment, manpower training and skills enhancement, enhancement training on packaging and labeling technology, training on equipment operations and preventive maintenance, and introduction of nutrition facts and laboratory analysis increase production volume and improve product quality to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project, DOST Provincial Director Mario de la Pena said.

With the project, Elena’s Bakery and Pasalubong Center is expected to increase its production volume by 50 percent based on 2011 production aside from enhanced product packaging and labeling.

This is possible with the efficient bakery equipment and technology provided for mass production of breads and pastries, as well as upgraded dough mixing and proofing technology, de la Pena said.

He said that the DOST also sees to it that the bakery complies with the food safety training and good manufacturing practices standards. (RMN/RAC-PIA7 Siquijor)