The Department of Science and Technology Aklan Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST Aklan) recognizes the achievements of local businesses and communities during the 2025 Provincial SETUP and CEST Awards.
The event was attended by recipients of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) awards, marking an important acknowledgment of their dedication to adopting science, technology, and innovation in their operations.
Outstanding micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Aklan were among the awardees.
Sunshine’s Breadmart received the Most Industry 4.0 Ready (I-Ready) Award for its commendable progress and preparation in its digital transformation journey towards Industry 4.0. In his speech, owner of Sunshine’s Breadmart Mr. Joseph Fernandez, expressed that they are honored to receive help from DOST’s SETUP as it is a challenge for them to acquire upgraded equipment. This assistance enabled Sunshine’s Breadmart to innovate and upgrade their product, set to compete with other companies in the Philippines and abroad.
Honore Café was awarded the SETUP PRAISE award. The award, which stands for Productivity, Resilience, Agility, Innovativeness, Sustainability, and Excellence, was given to acknowledge the firm’s excellence in managing the business amidst challenges and using science and technology (S&T) for the continuous improvement of its operations. Receiving the award, Ms. Florecel Inaudito delivered a message from the owner of the Honore Café, Mr. John Joseph Aldecoa. “Dreams can only go so far without the right tools and the right support system. That is why the assistance of DOST Aklan became a turning point for us— a catalyst that transformed potential into progress,” a message from Mr. Aldecoa expressing what once seemed like a distant dream, became a proud reality.
On the other hand, Filbake Food Corporation earned the prestigious Industry 4.0 Champion of Innovation (ICON) Award for its outstanding ability to utilize and capitalize on the use of Industry 4.0 technologies in its operations.
At the same time, the CEST program recognized its successful partners and beneficiaries, naming Aklan State University (ASU)- Banga as the Lead Implementing Agency for the Best CEST Community Pproject. “Through the CEST program, ASU was given the opportunity to bring research, innovation, and extension work closer to the grassroots—our weavers, farmers, youth, and small entrepreneurs,” said Prof. Julie Ann A. Salido, VP for Research, Innovation, Training, and Extension of the Aklan State University.
Additionally, Brgy. Bacan and Brgy. Mangan, both from Banga, Aklan, were jointly honored as the 2025 Best CEST Community Award Provincial Winners. “I-change naton ang mindset sang mga pamueuyo na indi lang kwarta ang mabulig sang gobyerno (…) ang mga tools, equipment, ag training na halin sa DOST hay makabulig man kanda, nga para man sa atong sarili,” [Let us change the mindset of our constituents that the government does not only give financial assistance. These tools, equipment, and training provided by DOST can help us, that is also for us.] said Brgy. Bacan, Banga, Aklan Punong Barangay Hon. Allen N. Robelo, highlighting their commitment to implementing S&T solutions for community upliftment.
Awardees and representatives delivered their acceptance speeches, sharing their journey in partnering with DOST and expressing gratitude for the positive impact on their productivity and community well-being. (IASacapaño/DOST Aklan)
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