This October 2022, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announces the celebration of this year’s National Science and Technology Week, or NSTW, with the theme “Agham at Teknolohiya: Kabalikat sa Maunlad at Matatag na Kinabukasan.” The NSTW is an advocacy for science and technology as a platform for national development. The celebration showcases the significant contributions of S&T in terms of science-informed initiatives and technological innovations for them to be closer and reach more people. The NSTW 2022 is set to be held on 23-27 November at the World Trade Center in a face-to-face setup after two years of virtual celebration. However, there are already a series of activities done and upcoming in different regions of the country in the next few weeks. The aim of NSTW to allow a closer and more engaged S&T celebration is carried through the Regional Science and Technology Week or RSTW. One of the RSTW activities is DOST-CALABARZON’s celebration of its S&T grant to GlowCorp as the 100th SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program) beneficiary in the province of Laguna which was held on 11 October in Cabuyao, Laguna.

The SETUP aims for transformative technological assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). GlowCorp is granted vacuum sealing equipment, label printer, and other automated machines such as product repacker that will significantly help a more efficient packaging process. Moreover, for a strengthened appreciation of S&T, there is a training seminar on proper label production, which is participated by GlowCorp and other MSME stakeholders from Laguna. The event is celebrated with Hon. Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez, Hon. Congresswoman Ruth Hernandez, and the Provincial S&T Director of Laguna, Engr. Samuel Caperina.

This is an excellent manifestation of encouraging MSMEs to adopt technological innovations that will improve productivity and operations capacity, gearing toward an innovative, resilient, and competitive sector. This is a milestone that GlowCorp will always be grateful for as it will help the organization go beyond and contribute to nurturing a sustainable economy and innovative society for Filipinos.