DOST-MIRDC’s BUHAWI is Proof of the Distinct Ingenuity and World-Class Talent of Filipinos, Says DND Top Executive
by Kai H. Negado
The DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) held the BUHAWI Stakeholders’ Dialogue on October 5, 2022, at the Acacia Hotel Manila. Attended by both the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) and the Department of National Defense’s (DND) top executives, Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. and Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino, Jr., this event saw the continued partnership between the two government agencies responsible for science, technology, and innovation, and human security and national defense.
Also present at the event were representatives from the country’s defense sector, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Air Force, along with partners from the industry.
Developed in partnership with the Philippine Navy’s Naval Research and Technology Development Center (NRTDC) and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (MRSP), the project entitled ‘Building a Universal Mount for Heavy-Barrel Automated Weapon Integration’ or BUHAWI resulted in a technology which performed better when compared to an Israeli-developed weapons technology – proving further that we can develop our own technologies which are much cheaper, will help generate jobs, boost the local economy, and lessen import dependency.
During his welcome remarks, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon reiterated the Center’s determination in taking the challenge of supporting the DND’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program very seriously, citing the recently approved R&D project ‘Controller Operated Battle-Ready Armament’ or COBRA, which is much like the BUHAWI but intended for use and adoption by the Philippine Army.
DOST Secretary Solidum emphasized in his speech that project BUHAWI is a successful program, and will be the trigger for future collaborations between DOST and DND as ‘the DOST believes and it shares the DND’s vision of a more self-reliant defense posture.’ With this project, the Secretary believes that building a self-reliant defense for the country is already well within our reach. Further pushing for the adoption of the BUHAWI technology, the DOST Secretary implored DND Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Faustino that the Philippine Navy adopt the BUHAWI, and for DND to approve the counterpart fund to further develop the technology to a land-based one through project COBRA.
Meanwhile, DND Undersecretary Faustino, upon taking the stage to deliver his speech, announced on the spot that the counterpart support is already approved while giving a thumbs-up – this garnered a round of applause from the audience. Undersecretary Faustino praised the DOST’s ability to always find ways, and stated that project BUHAWI is ‘proof of the Philippines’ distinct ingenuity and the world-class talent of Filipinos.’ He further stated that the DND is looking forward to the full implementation of BUHAWI into all of their compatible naval assets, throwing its full support behind the upcoming project COBRA and its unprecedented success.
Spirits were high during the event, with partners from the country’s defense forces presenting their agencies’ various technological requirements and processes addressed to both DOST and partners in the industry. The MRSP and Metalworking Industries Association of the Philippines (MIAP) also took to the stage to present the capabilities of the local manufacturing industry, followed by DOST-MIRDC’s Chief for Technical Advisory and Business Development Section, Ms. Girlie M. Millo, who discussed the BUHAWI’s technology transfer requirements and processes.
This dialogue was set to push for the adoption of the BUHAWI technology, and to provide a platform to discuss possible future collaborations between its stakeholders. In concluding the event, DOST-MIRDC Deputy Executive Director Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto and BUHAWI’s project leader, underscored the next step of the project which is the transfer of the BUHAWI technology to the Philippine Navy. The DOST, along with the DND, the Philippine Navy, and the MRSP are all excited to move forward and fulfill the vision of a truly patriotic and independent defense sector.
