Countryside to Speed Up Innovations through MEICs in SUC Campuses
by Faith P. Macatangay
Taguig City, Metro Manila – State Universities and Colleges (SUC) partners from Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Regions I, II, III, and X presented their respective new technical capabilities during the Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEIC) in the Regions for the Industry event on June 17, 2021.
DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Engr. Robert O. Dizon shared with the group the vision of the Center to make the metals, engineering, and allied industries of the whole country more competitive. Engr. Dizon emphasized the establishment of MEIC – through the tripartite partnership of the government, the industry, and the academic institutions – is an enabling environment in the regions. Likewise, DOST Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña was optimistic that the Philippines will sustain the growth of innovation with these innovation centers.
Each MEIC Manager proudly showcased the capabilities and ongoing development of their handled innovation center – vision, mission, objectives, significant event highlights, building layout, proposed research and development activities, delivered and upcoming equipment from the DOST-MIRDC, and suppliers, and priority goals.
The MEIC Managers are: Engr. Dahlia Gay A, Bulna of Ifugao State University (IFSU) in CAR; Dr. Victorio C. Palabay of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in Region I; Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez of Cagayan State University (CSU) in Region II; Dr. Nathaniel Oliveros of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) in Region III; and Engr. Bronson G. Mabulay of University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) in Region X.
The partner machine and equipment suppliers, Scuderia Enterprises, Hytec Power, Inc., and JAMP-R Kilns and Dryer Enterprises, also gave an overview of the machinery they have provided or will deliver to the academe.
Meanwhile, MEIC project stakeholders Metalworking Industries Association of the Philippines (MIAP)–Dagupan, Inc. President Marcus M. Aquino and MIAP– Northern Mindanao Chapter, Inc. President Raymond Paras stated their openness to having cluster collaboration with the universities in uplifting the metalworking industries of their region.
Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang described the innovation center as a place where people can test ideas, build prototypes, and create solutions to address some of the problems of society. He expressed his support for the project. He also shared his excitement to see MEIC established in all regions soon. Usec. Mabborang is optimistic that MEIC in the regions can help in pursuing MSMEs to be Industry 4.0 ready.
DOST-MIRDC Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development and MEIC Project Leader Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig concluded that the added capability in terms of equipment design, and fabrication of the prototypes will help students, faculty and researchers gain actual exposures to the fabrication machines used by the industry. He expressed gratitude to the MEIC Managers and DOST Regional Directors who take part in the project. Dr. Fudolig invited the regions to avail of services of the MEIC and to support the transformation of the countryside to becoming more innovative and more competitive.
To know more about the MEIC and other MIRDC collaborative projects, visit www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph and the DOST MIRDC Facebook page.To know more about the MEIC and other MIRDC collaborative projects, visit www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph and the DOST MIRDC Facebook page.
