METALWORKING COMPANIES TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH FRONTLINE BUSINESSES IN THE REGIONS
By: Eldina B. Pinca
Metalworking companies and frontline industries met to discuss potential areas for business partnerships through a focus group discussion held on October 28, 2021.
Discussed during the FGD were the pressing requirements of frontline industries such as footwear, fruits and nuts, and coffee, cacao and coconut industries. Among the requirements from the footwear industry are making available various designs of metal accessories for shoes such as buckles and spare parts, as stated by one respondent from the National Capital Region (NCR), Mr. Alejandro Dajac, owner of Roadtrip Sandals. Engr. Domingo P. Videna, owner of Native Pinoy Coffee and Cacao Enterprises, shared that they require a new design of smaller roasting machines and localization of separator machines for coffee and cacao.
Attuned to the needs of the frontline industries, the participating metalworking businesses, most of which are members of the Metalworking Industries of the Philippines (MIAP), responded to the concerns. From MIAP Davao, Ms. Andrea Marie Dizon stated her concerns about the market requirements and the quality issues of the metals industry for them to establish the most appropriate strategy in addressing the requirements of the frontline industries they serve.
The DOST Regional Offices were also present to express support to the activity. Dr. Anthony Sales, Regional Director of DOST Regional Office XI, shared that Davao region is implementing programs to support regional development efforts such as establishing S&T-supportive ecosystems, and having the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) as a facility to encourage research and development.
The FGD was organized by the DOST-MIRDC which is the sole government agency mandated to assist the metals, engineering, and allied industries. Director Robert O. Dizon stated that MIRDC is always ready to serve. He shared that apart from research and development, metalworking industries may also partner with the MIRDC for technology advisories and technical consultancies.
The FGD is part of the industry study entitled ‘Active Businesses in the Region Open Marketing Opportunities for the Metals Industry.’ This event was held with the objective of presenting the results of the survey covering active industries in the NCR, Region VI, and Region XI. Through the survey, the Center was able to gather inputs of active industries regarding their requirements from their suppliers in the metalworking industry. During the FGD, these requirements were discussed and the metalworking industry players recognized opportunities for widening their network and engaging in beneficial business partnerships.
Based on active participation of the guests, the next step is for the Center to analyze the needs and requirements of the metalworking industry so that the necessary interventions may be offered to them. In closing, Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto, Deputy Executive Director for Technical Services, detailed the programs of MIRDC and expressed his support for the activities that may ensue from this event, such as the B2B discussions of the active industries with the respective metals industry partners in the selected regions.
