Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga State University is now expected to supply the province and nearby provinces processed rice noodles with the launching of its P998, 880 worth of Shared Service Facility (SSF) on Rice Noodles Processing on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.
The university acquired various equipment to include planetary mixer, super saver steamer, dehydrator, pulverizer, dough roller, noodle cutter, and rice grinder, which shall be utilized to support said cause.
Kalinga Governor Ferdinand Tubban lauded the project saying it is timely for many MSMEs will need the said facility which the university could share to others. Tubban recalled how that the pandemic has affected many small business owners in the province and recuperating from the economic impact requires partnerships.
"These are important projects and actions to help our entrepreneurs and the university. Rest assured that whatever additional help, the Provincial Government shall be with you in working hard for the upliftment of the lives of our people," said Tubban.
In an interview, Junefri Macaranas, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Kalinga, said that KSU qualified as one of the beneficiaries after they were able to defend their project to SSF Regional Technical Working Group and complying with the necessary requirements.
Requirements for the SSF Project
Among the requirements submitted include a project proposal, letter of endorsement from KSU president, simplified business plan with detailed supply and demand analysis, financial statements for the last two years, list of existing facilities of the cooperator, profile of the end beneficiaries, complete specifications of proposed facilities, and proof of existing markets.
Likewise, they were also required to submit Board of Trustees Resolution allowing them to enter into a contract with DTI-CAR, designation of SUC point person in charge of the SSF program, designation of project manager from the beneficiary organization, clear organizational structure for the project with accountabilities, initial evaluation and site validation report and a seal of good housekeeping.
According to Macaranas, the equipment granted to KSU shall likewise be used by students in research and the innovation of new products using available materials in Kalinga.
“Those innovations will be introduced to MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) natin where in pwede na nila itong gamitin for commercial purposes. Likewise, the MSMEs can use the SSF for training,” he said.
Rice Noodles are not the primary product
When asked if rice noodles are the main product that will be made through the SSF equipment, he disclosed that no specific product was required since the food processing center of KSU is an innovation center.
“Walang specific products actually since innovation center siya pero since rice ang nakikitang madaming raw materials dito sa kalinga, rice [noodles] ang na-identify na magiging product under KSU,” he added.
Meantime, aside from the equipment, Macaranas said KSU will also be provided with regular programs of DTI to include trainings and seminars, market development assistance, product development assistance, among others.
Launching program at KSU
DTI-Kalinga Provincial Director Renie Ramos during the ceremony said that the SSF project is conceptualized to give technical inputs to MSMEs to help them enhance their competitiveness, improve efficiency and productivity, and address the problems in the value chain process.
“It was conceptualized to give a big boost to our MSMEs, to improve efficiency and productivity, and to mechanize the whole value chain. This will serve yung mga MSMEs who do their production manually. Yun ang purpose ng program, to mechanize the whole value chain of products,” he said.
The Provincial Director further related that in Kalinga, they were able to turn over 17 SSF projects to date.
Dr. Edna P. Yumol, who represented KSU President Eduardo Bagtang, expressed gratitude to DTI for the partnership as it resulted in the realization of the SSF project.
“Certainly, this project will be a contributory factor for the full realization of our vision to become a knowledge and technology hub in Asia-Pacific Region,” Yumol stated.
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