La Union – The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office I (DOST-I), through the Provincial Science and Technology Center of La Union (PSTC-LU), provided technological interventions to Sossy Bites Food Trading under the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) – Innovation-Enabling Fund (iFund).

Sossy Bites Food Trading, owned by Florence A. Lasquite, is a home-grown business founded and established in 2017. The business only began with puto bumbong until such time that the range of products grew. Now, the firm offers various native delicacies with a twist such as black kutsinta, ube puto maya, pichi-pichi, sapin-sapin, puto bumbong, fruity biko and other merienda classics like baked mac, cassava cakes, pancit bihon, palabok, and buchik.

Lasquite wanted to improve the quality of her products and cater to more orders so she sought assistance from the DOST under SETUP. Because of the potential of her business, she was provided with the needed funds payable in three years. The production facility of the firm was upgraded after receiving baking equipment such as single-deck gas oven, spiral mixer, and stainless-steel food grade working table.

Aside from the provision of equipment, Lasquite also benefited from DOST’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) seminar-workshop and provision of proper plant layout that adheres to the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “We can already cater to more orders, thank you to DOST for all your help,” Lasquite said.

DOST SETUP is one of the flagship programs of the Department that provides innovation fund assistance that encourages micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt technological innovations to boost productivity and market competitiveness. The nationwide program covers the following sectors: food processing, furniture, gifts, decors, handicrafts, agriculture/marine/aquaculture, metals and engineering, ICT, pharmaceuticals, health, and wellness products.