DOST-MIRDC Seeks Inputs from SBSR Industry and MARINA Representatives Located in Region VI for its Study Focused on Determining Science and Technology-Based Interventions Required by the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry
By Kai H. Negado
Iloilo province in Region VI is the most recent destination of the industry study team of the Department of Science and Technology - Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) as it conducted its fifth consultative meeting with players in the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry.
The multiple issues raised by shipyards in Region VI, as well as by Regions, III, VII, IX, and NCR which were previously visited by the industry study team, stem from the lack of course offerings and training for human resource development as required by the SBSR industry.
Held on July 18, 2023, the consultative meeting was attended by representatives from Region VI SBSR companies, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region VI, and DOST Region VI. Those in attendance were agreeable with the study findings shared from previous meetings, especially the need for capability building of the existing workforce in the SBSR industry, and software acquisition and training.
DOST-MIRDC team presenting their current findings during the consultative meeting on July 18, 2023
While it is true that software acquisition and lack of training on CAD software are major challenges, Mr. Noel Lucero, General Manager of Jagnee SBSR and Jagnee Fishing Corp., said “the main problem is kulang ng NAME dito,” pertaining to the lack of naval architects and marine engineers (NAME). Graduates of NAME courses are few, most probably since it is not a widespread undergraduate course in both popularity and because of its limited course offerings from tertiary schools nationwide.
Naval architects and marine engineers help design, construct, and maintain ships, boats, and other surface and subsurface water vessels and structures - expertise that our SBSR industry lacks.
Engr. Rufina A. Aquino, Officer-in-Charge of MARINA Region VI, concurred with Mr. Lucero’s statement, adding to the fact that MARINA strongly prefers hiring NAME graduates as additional manpower for its current expansion. Ms. Aquino also stated that NAME graduates are scarce, which results in MARINA Region VI hiring NAME graduates from Metro Manila and Cebu.
In an effort of the DOST-MIRDC to continuously innovate and improve its programs and projects through science and technology-based interventions, the Center provided a platform to convene directly with its stakeholders, specifically those in the SBSR industry. Challenges that arise during these consultative meetings will serve as inputs to the industry study being conducted by the DOST-MIRDC which aims to present an overview of the country’s SBSR industry and how the Center may contribute to its advancement.
Updates and other details of the ongoing study focused on the SBSR industry as well as on the services offered by the DOST-MIRDC are available via the DOST-MIRDC Facebook page and official website www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph.
