The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has given a national award to a business innovator in Misamis Oriental specializing in fiberglass boats.

In a statement on Thursday, Nova Belle Calotes, the DOST-10 (Northern Mindanao) science research specialist, said this is the first time in the region that a business firm was given a national level recognition, dubbed as the iREADY award, to AJIS Dive and Aqua Sports Incorporated.

iREADY aims to recognize micro, small and medium enterprises poised to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies in their operations.

Allan Sagrado, owner of AJIS, said in an interview that the firm is ready to adopt systems and technologies to generate more productivity.

“Thank you, DOST for helping us build our dream boats. We will never stop dreaming,” he said, referring to the award they received on Wednesday during the National Science and Technology Week celebration opening ceremony in Iloilo City.

AJIS, located in Opol town of Misamis Oriental, is the pioneer fiberglass speedboat manufacturer in Northern Mindanao and has been using various technologies to produce quality boats that are now being sold nationwide.

AJIS was adjudged to have met the standard readiness index based on the following readiness pillars: organization, data, hardware, software and people.

The firm received PHP100,000 in cash reward during the awarding.

In its Opol production facility, the company follows established data collection and IT security protocols to ensure data quality and protection.

AJIS also utilizes production planning software integrated with other software for more efficient and systematic operations.

The company likewise aims to use radio frequency identification, 3D scanners and more advanced technologies in the next five years.

Calotes said the firm received its first DOST assistance in 2019 through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, to which it acquired a two-axis computer numerical control router with Rhino 3D software –a computer-controlled cutting machine for different types of surfaces.

The firm noted an increase in its gross sales and manpower since the DOST assistance, which contributed to its growth from a micro to a small enterprise. (PNA)