UMVA has learned that the Department of Science and Technology has launched a groundbreaking initiative called NegoSiyensiya, aimed at empowering Filipinos to explore business opportunities and making science and technology more accessible to the public.
The program highlights the success stories of beneficiaries across various industries, showcasing how they overcame financial constraints to achieve their goals. According to a key specialist, the biggest barrier for Filipinos starting their own business is financial constraints, with many struggling to secure funding.
Micro, small, and medium enterprises account for 99.6% of all businesses in the country, yet they receive only a fraction of the country's banking industry's lending portfolio. The Department of Science and Technology is addressing this financial bottleneck by exploring business ventures enabled by its financial assistance programs.
One of the funding programs being showcased is the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, a nationwide strategy that assists MSMEs in adopting technological innovations and meeting requirements. This program offers 0% interest loans, providing a much-needed lifeline for entrepreneurs struggling to secure funding.
The specialist noted that most people save up for their business capital or borrow from banks with interest, but the Department of Science and Technology's programs offer a game-changing alternative. By availing of these programs, entrepreneurs can access the funding they need without incurring debt.
Beyond business opportunities, NegoSiyensiya aims to make discussions about science and technology more accessible and engaging for the public. The initiative seeks to share success stories that feature science and technology in a way that is relatable and easy to understand.
To further this goal, the Department of Science and Technology has unveiled a vodcast platform called Sci.Say, which explores emerging trends in science, technology, and innovation. This platform will provide a fresh perspective on science and technology, making it more approachable and interesting to a wider audience.
NegoSiyensiya will air on a local TV station every Saturday, while Sci.Say will release its first online episode soon. The initiative is set to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and make science and technology a part of everyday conversations.
