DAVAO DEL NORTE, May 26 (PIA) - Micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) as well as students continue to receive assistance the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) during the quarantine period.

Provincial Science and Technology Director Judy Donna Nueva Ecija said DOST is providing MSMEs moratorium or grace period to pay their borrowed capital used to purchase equipment or machinery to start up their enterprises.

Granted through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program of DOST, MSMEs had availed a minimum of PhP15,000 to PhP50,000, and DOST is accordingly granting three to five months moratorium of payment for which, based on assessment of the Executive Committee overseeing the upgrading program.

In Davao del Norte, about 20 of the 50 MSMEs that DOST Davao del Norte has been assisting have availed of the funding assistance through Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program.

Nueva Ecija revealed DOST continued to touch base with DOST-assisted MSMEs during the quarantine period.

"Every week naa miy monitoring sa Ilaha; nangumusta kami how are they coping; first week high pa kaayo ang ilang spirits. (We monitored them every week to check how were they coping; on first few weeks they were in high spirits.)," she shared

They shared their cash reserves buying food and monetary assistance with their employees but eventually they closed shops as resources got depleted and they also had to follow quarantine policies hoisted to shield the public from COVID-19 infection.

"Tungod sa COVID nag close sila sa ilang mga negosyo, so ibig sabihin wala silay kita. (Due to COVID, they are closing their business; so that means they are no longer earning.)," she said.

DOST extends the moratorium for MSMEs under the "Bayanihan Heal As One Act" of President Rodrigo Duterte, wielded for the country to ride through COVID-19 crisis.

"Aron inig balik nila dili siya mabug-atan sa ilang balayronon, nga maka-income sab sila ug dili magsapaw ang ilang obligasyon. (So when they go back into business they won't be loaded with so much bills to pay; they can still draw income and won't be burdened so much with dues.)," she said in a phone-patch interview during Pakigsayod Sayron Ta Radio 911 program.

Meanwhile, DOST Davao del Norte continues to technically assist MSMEs through leading them towards DOST XI-PSTC Davao del Norte Facebook page through which they can continue learning new enterprises related to food processing, and even on facemask-making.

DOST has also offered online short courses through local and international collaborations that provides certificates of completion.

On the other hand, DOST is now accepting online scholarship applications of 3rd year college students taking up science and technology and engineering courses.

Nueva Ecija said DOST is set to extend not less than P7,000 allowance a month for those eligible of the scholarship offered for online application until May 29.

All they have to do is just to register online at DOST XI-PSTC Davao del Norte and DOST will accept the document requirements until August 28.

Nueva Ecija also advised MSMEs and students to visit DOST Davao del Norte Office at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) compound in Brgy Apokon, Davao del Norte so they can be personally assisted in availing DOST services. (PIA XI/Jeanevive Duron Abangan)