IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has granted a local calamansi juice processor from the town of Imelda in Zamboanga Sibugay a P1.1 million in funding assistance under its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). 

A5 Food Products have use the money to acquire production equipment such as a stainless steel calamansi bubble washer, an industrial kettle cooker and mixer, an industrial cooling tank, a reverse osmosis machine with a capacity of 6000 gallons per day (GPD), and a 1000-L capacity stainless steel tank.

“With this investment, A5 Food Products is poised to deliver high-quality, safe-to-consume, and nutritious calamansi juice products- ready-to drink calamansi juice drink and calamansi concentrate to our clients,” said Maribel A. Azuga, proprietor of A5 Food Products.

The strategic investment is expected to significantly improve A5 Food Products' productivity, with an estimated increase of at least 30 percent. This enhancement sets the stage for the company's plans for market expansion, aiming to reach new consumer segments that are appreciative of premium-quality calamansi juice products.

Moreover, the SETUP project is anticipated to have a positive impact on the local community by creating employment opportunities. A5 Food Products aims to generate at least three additional job positions, contributing to livelihood opportunities and economic growth in the area.

Azuga expressed her gratitude for the support she received from DOST, emphasizing the transformative potential of the funding in elevating the company's operations and meeting market demands. 

"This funding has been a transformative force for A5 Food Products. We are now equipped with advanced technology that not only ensures the highest quality of our products but also allows us to meet the growing demand in the market," she said.

SETUP, designed to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), plays a crucial role in fostering economic development by providing financial assistance and technological upgrades. The funding received by A5 Food Products underscores DOST's commitment to empowering local businesses and driving sustainable growth in Zamboanga Sibugay's food processing sector. (NBE/EDT/JPA/ Zamboanga Sibugay)