USTP Panaon joins DTI SSF forum for MSMEs growth
By Christopher R. Balaba, Head of Research, Innovation and Extension Section, USTP Panaon
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Panaon, Misamis Oriental (USTP Panaon) recently took a proactive step toward regional industrial development by participating in the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program Orientation, Proposal Writeshop, and Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum. Held on March 5–6, 2026, at the Bethany Gardens Hotel and Restaurant, the event was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Misamis Occidental. It drew a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from Local Government Units (LGUs), other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), private higher education institutions, technical vocational schools, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), all aiming to foster a more collaborative economic environment.
The forum centered on the SSF Program, a landmark initiative launched in 2013 that seeks to address major innovation gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industry clusters. By providing machinery, equipment, tools, systems, and other auxiliary items, along with essential skills and knowledge, the program empowers enterprise support under a shared system. This strategic provision is designed to improve and upscale production, widen the knowledge and skills of stakeholders, and enhance the innovation capacity of MSMEs, ultimately improving both the quality of their products and their overall productivity.
Over the course of the two-day event, participants were immersed in the technicalities of the program, covering everything from eligibility criteria and documentary requirements to the rigorous selection process and the specific terms and conditions of hosting an SSF. Attendees received practical, step-by-step guidance on navigating SSF Proposal Forms, complemented by expert coaching from Mr. Luzmar M. Gabor, CIP, RFC of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. As the lead resource speaker, Mr. Gabor guided the participants on the nuances of making a compelling pitch for proposal presentations, ensuring the participants are well-equipped to secure facilities that will drive technological advancement in the province.
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