DOST-MIRDC Brings the Future of Manufacturing to the Cordillera Administrative Region: AMCen for MSMEs
By: Ella Vanesa Lopez
October 5, 2023
Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the cutting-edge technologies that the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) has been actively advocating for in recent years through the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen). With AM, rapid, convenient, and cost-effective prototyping is now possible. Unlike conventional manufacturing processes, which mainly use bulky and expensive machines, AM uses printers that come in different sizes and price points, making manufacturing methods more accessible and affordable to everyone.
The DOST-MIRDC brought AM closer to the Cordillerans through a forum on September 28, 2023, held as part of the 2023 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTIW) celebration in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Forums like this one allow AMCen to reach a broader audience and potentially gain new partnerships and R&D collaborations.
Engr. Marc Adrian O. Yu presents the Advanced Manufacturing Center, its facilities, services, and possible collaboration with MSMEs in CAR on September 28, 2023
Engr. Marc Adrian O. Yu, AMCen’s Project Technical Specialist I, introduced the AMCen, as well as AM or 3D printing, to the micro, small, and medium enterprises’ (MSMEs) representatives from the different provinces of the region. Additionally, Engr. Yu underscored the Center’s commitment in sharing the technology and the know-how behind its use through training programs, he said “inaayos na po namin ang mga training offerings, syempre hindi naman po pwede na ‘yung knowledge ay mananatili lang sa AMCen.”
AMCen, the national hub for AM or 3D printing in the Philippines, has achieved numerous successes, including various R&D partnerships with diverse organizations and sectors. Engr. Yu shared some of these collaborations including those with the Philippine Army, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, ONEWAT Industrial AI Solutions, and Maya Tech.
The road to integrating AM or 3D printing in the country has just begun. AMCen is currently developing initiatives in order to (1) provide Industry 4.0 technologies in the regions; (2) facilitate easier online job ordering and payment system through the AMCen Integrated Online System (AMCen-AIOS); (3) integrate AM in secondary education curriculum, and; (4) provide support in the key priority sectors, namely: manufacturing, medical, construction, and consumer goods.
DOST-MIRDC booth for the 2023 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in CAR
Apart from this forum, DOST-MIRDC also showcased its different services, technologies, and facilities through an interactive three-day exhibit at the Provincial Gymnasium of Abra.
Watch out for more DOST-MIRDC activities in the regions, including exhibits and fora in the coming RSTIW celebrations around the country.
