R&D at the Forefront of Industry 4.0: Highlights from the 4th National Metals and Engineering Conference (NMEC)
by Kai H. Negado
“The answer lies in what you, as researchers, do every day—developing knowledge, designing solutions, and forging the path ahead through innovation,” was what DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia emphasized in her keynote message during the 4th NMEC held on June 16, 2025.
Usec. Buendia underscored the vital role of research and development in building a resilient and future-ready Philippine industry. It sets the tone for the entire conference, reinforcing that R&D is not merely an academic endeavor but a powerful engine of national progress—especially in the era of Industry 4.0.
The 4th NMEC highlighted an eye-opening reality for our local industries, academic institutions, thought leaders, and researchers: Industry 4.0 is not just a concept of the near future, but it is already here, affecting our everyday lives — from our smartphones to our shop floors.
Featured during the NMEC were various thought leaders from the government, academe, and private sector who harness Industry 4.0 technologies through their research and development initiatives for real-world application.
The NMEC featured a lineup of experts and innovators in Industry 4.0, namely:
- Dr. Albert J. Causo, CEO of Hand Plus Robotics and DOST Balik Scientist, who demonstrated how collaborative robotics is transforming industrial automation;
- Engr. Ralph Paul T. Dominguez, Regional Sales Head of ASEAN ITRS, on how to leverage big data and cloud for the metals and engineering in the country;
- Dr. Philip P. Ermita, Director of DOST-PUP PYLON TBI, shared insights on the critical role of technology business incubators in nurturing tech-driven startups;
- Engr. Gerald Reymari A. Cagayan of Techsource Computing Solutions Inc., who explored AI integration in industrial process control; and
- Engr. Rodnel O. Tamayo on DOST projects BUHAWI and COBRA, remote-controlled weapons systems developed locally in support of the government’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program.
Another highlight was the Metals Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) Batch 2 Journey by Dr. Pearl Aphrodite B. Carnice, on the R&D outputs and the impact of the services conducted by the MEICs in their communities, and a talk by Dr. Sheryl Lyn Monterola (UP NISMED) on mainstreaming additive manufacturing in basic education—an example of how Industry 4.0 can influence not only industries but education systems as well.
Panel of guest speakers who are innovators in Industry 4.0 during the 4th NMEC Q&A (from L to R: Dr. Causo, Dr. Monterola, Engr. Dominguez, Engr. Cagayan, Dr. Ermita, and Engr. Tamayo)
One of the key themes echoed throughout the event was the importance of building a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem for innovation. This includes empowering MSMEs with access to new technologies, investing in upskilling the workforce, and strengthening partnerships with research institutions.
The 4th NMEC underscored a central truth: R&D is not merely a support mechanism — it is the spearhead of innovation. Through conferences like NMEC, DOST-MIRDC continues to catalyze collaboration among government, industry, and academia, building a future-ready, digitally empowered Philippines.
Led by this year’s M&E Week Committee Chair, Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto, Deputy Executive Director for Technical Services of DOST-MIRDC, the conference seamlessly brought together stakeholders from the academe to champion the role of science, technology, and innovation in navigating the rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Join us for the next highlight of the M&E Week 2025 celebration—the Metals and Engineering Industry Forum happening on June 20, 2025 (Friday), once again at the Acacia Hotel Manila. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and innovators as we chart the course toward a smarter, more resilient Philippines.
To learn more about our M&E Week activities, visit the official event website https://metalsweek.dost.gov.ph/ and follow us on https://www.facebook.com/dostmirdc/
