GOVPH

"Molding the Future of Metal Industries"

The Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines (AIAP) together with the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of the Department of Science and Technology, hosted the "Aerospace Forum" on July 31, 2015 at the MIRDC Silver Auditorium from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The purpose of which is to inspire and challenge the various companies to go into and partner with the aerospace industry. Mr. John T. Lee, President of the AIAP, assures prospective investors of a successful venture if they entrust resources in this endeavor. "Investing in this business is essentially going into a high-risk, high returns playing field. By highly specialized, we mean that the aerospace business is not just for anybody. You need to have the required accreditations, the skills, the capacity. You have to be one of the best," according to Dr. Amelia P. Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development.

Resource speakers from multinational aerospace companies like MOOG Controls, Phils. Inc., Jamco Phils., B/E and Surface Technology International discussed prospects and potential markets to entice investors in the local aerospace industries. Representing the government were resource speakers from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Development Bank of the Philippines, Board of Investments and MIRDC. PEZA Director General Lilia B. de Lima elaborated on why the companies should invest here in the Philippines through the various economic zones and science parks that are available to house their companies' facilities. DOST Assistant Sec. Robert O. Dizon presented the MIRDC's capabilities and state-of-the-art facilities whose services are tailored to potential aerospace ventures. Finally, Mr. Dennis Y. Chan, Vice-President of the AIAP, poured out words of encouragement by disclosing that his company and that of Mr. Lee's were some sort of guinea pigs when they ventured in the aerospace industry. Their companies' stature now proves that indeed this has been an excellent investment. According to him, companies willing to invest shall undergo development skills such as training to both ISO 9001 and AS 9100, the Quality Management System Certification and Aerospace Quality Standards Certification. The MIRDC has already hosted a training in AS 9100 with orientation in ISO 9001 in 2013. The forum participants were selected AIAP members and MIRDC employees. Last year, the DOST showcased the aerospace industries in the National Science and Technology Week, which gathered a huge audience and helped increase awareness of the public, industry and academe.