DOST-JICA agreement to improve packaging technology for SMEs

DOST—JICA agreement to improve packaging technology for SMEs

By DAISY TAÑAFRANCA
Program Leader, R&D Packaging Center

The Philippines and Japan agreed to implement a project called “Improvement of Packaging Technology for Philippine Food Products in the Regions”. The project aims to increase the marketability of small and medium scale enterprises’ food products in local and export markets.

The Department of Science and Technology’s Packaging R&D Center will implement the project with comprehensive support package from Japan International Cooperation Agency.

DOST established the PRDC in September 1999 underscoring the importance of packaging at all stages in the product supply chain. The center’s mandate is to make local industries and their products globally competitive through world class, innovative, and sustainable packaging technology.

The PRDC is the only government unit that can provide packaging technology assistance to SMEs systematically and comprehensively. The PRDC management however feels it needs to continuously learn and build up its knowledge base on new packaging technologies to raise its capacity to provide wider services.

PRDC previously submitted a project proposal on “Improvement/Development of Packaging Systems for Philippine Food Products in the Region” to the Japanese Government under JICA’s Project Type-Technical Cooperation program.

JICA dispatched two Japanese experts last year that determined that the project is feasible and recommended a change in project title after noting that there are many SME products in the regions, which could get through wider markets with better packaging.

Many SMEs realize that packaging is a critical factor in making them and their products flourish in local and international markets. PRDC’s packaging interventions have contributed to improved performance of its clients, mostly SMEs.

Japan is a global leader in packaging technology. The JICA project will focus on technology transfer of new and appropriate packaging technology. This would further enhance PRDC’s capability in meeting the packaging needs of domestic SMEs.

The JICA project, which spans June 2005 to May 2009, also includes provision of packaging equipment and testing instruments, dispatch of Japanese experts, and training of PRDC personnel in Japan .

DOST Undersecretary Rogelio A. Panlasigui, PRDC program leader Daisy E. Tañafranca, and JICA resident representative Shozo Matsuura signed the technical agreement last June 24 at the JICA office in RCBC Plaza in Makati City.