The Medium and Small Scale Industries Coordinated Action Program (MASICAP) was introduced in 1973 and pilot-tested by the Development Academy of the Philippines. In 1974, the Department of Trade and Industry adapted and expanded MASICAP into a national program. The program utilized the services of volunteer graduating college students who were trained to assist medium and small scale rural entrepreneurs prepare feasibility studies and also helped facilitate bank loans. From June 1974 to June 1980, the program assisted more than 6,000 countryside entrepreneurs and trained around 700 volunteers.
In 2001, the MASICAP MSME Development Foundation, Inc. was established by MASICAP I alumni and was registered with the SEC as a non-stock, non-profit organization. The program was revived, now referred to as MASICAP II. It provides assistance to micro and small scale rural entrepreneurs in Mindanao, utilizing basically the same scheme implemented by the Department of Trade & Industry. Its purposes, among others, include offering direct functional assistance to micro and small enterprises and the training of students and young professionals in providing business extension services, inculcating positive business values and contribute to countryside development.
The Foundation now operates in eight (8) provinces and (three)3 cities in Mindanao. Its main office is located a 3/F DBP Bldg., C.M. Recto Ave., Davao City. The foundation has 9 regular staff, 16 Student Recruits and 9 members of the Board of Trustees.
It was certified for 1 year on October 20, 2011 and which ended on September 2, 2012. On its first renewal, it was certified by the PCNC Board for 3 years which ended on June 27, 2016. However, the BIR did not issue a certificate due to its failure to seek certification from a government agency. To date, the Foundation secured certification from Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
The Foundation sources its funds from Local Government Units (LGUs), the Vicente Paterno Family, Philseven Corp.; Development Bank of the Philippines and other donations from individuals.
