LEGAZPI CITY –- In marking Regional Science and Technology week (RSTW) celebration from July 31 to Aug. 4 this year, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional office here has focused on the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) which aims to improve the quality of the products of small entrepreneurs by providing them with small capital and technical assistance.

        However, the opening rites and informal press conference had to be cut short because of a prolonged brownout.

        Dr. Maripaz Perez, DOST undersecretary for regional operations and OIC of DOST 5, apologized to the guests for the inconvenience as their standby generator had also bogged down.

        As scheduled, Dr. Perez explained the design and features of the DOST 5 logo which include, among others, Mayon Volcano at the center, with a coconut tree as the tree of life and pili as the tree of hope.

        Gov. Salceda, Secretary Estrella Alabastro of DOST, Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal led in the unveiling of the DOST 5 logo.

        Before the opening ceremonies, a priest blessed the S & T exhibits located at the ground floor of the DOST 5 building.

        In reply to a question, Secretary Alabastro disclosed that Pagasa will install a new radar in Catanduanes that will cater to the weather information needs of Catanduanes and Albay.

        Edwin Alvaran, DOST SET-UP coordinator, explained that SET-UP is an acronym for Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program which seeks to upgrade the quality of the products of entrepreneurs.

        He said that DOST SET-UP is assisting small businessmen in six areas: 1) aquaculture; 2) food production; 3) furniture; 4) gifts, decors and housewares; 5) horticulture; and 6) fruits and other crops.

        Alvaran said that DOST has assisted 48 SET-UP projects in Bicol broken down as follows: Albay, 15 projects; Camarines Sur, 10; Sorsogon, 7; Catanduanes, 6; Camarines Norte and Masbate, 5 each.