Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) Encourages Businesses and Academe in Region IX to Innovate Using Additive Manufacturing
Kai H. Negado
“Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a bridge between imagination and reality,” was how AM was described by Mr. Aris Mortalla of DOST Region IX. As a 3D printing hobbyist, Mr. Mortalla shared his personal view on AM or 3D printing, and how it may be utilized by their stakeholders in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
AM stands as one of the pioneering Industry 4.0 technologies offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC). The establishment of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) has seen outputs from various collaborative research and has already manufactured AM products that are being used by its partners. AMCen extends its services not only to domestic manufacturers but also to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across diverse sectors and educational institutions alike.
Driven to make this technology hub and its services known to the public in different regions of the country, DOST-MIRDC features AMCen as one of its offerings in the celebration of the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTIW) 2023.
DOST-MIRDC is currently participating in DOST IX’s RSTIW celebration in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Engr. Alvin Buison, Senior Science Research Specialist at DOST-MIRDC and a key member of the AMCen project, emphasized during his presentation that AM can be seamlessly integrated into traditional manufacturing processes, “AM is a tool para makatulong sa conventional manufacturing - incorporate it (AM), to help.” He underscored that AM serves as a supplementary tool to enhance conventional manufacturing practices. Its unique capabilities, such as lightweighting features – lattices and topology-optimized geometries, address the needs of industries such as aerospace and automotive, as well as capitalize on the use of fewer materials without sacrificing a product’s quality.
Engr. Alvin Buison of AMCen, DOST-MIRDC during the forum on AM at Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
AM is poised to become a catalyst for innovation and community development in Zamboanga. Engr. Buison encouraged attendees to explore innovative applications of AM in their daily lives and local communities.
For businesses, AM technologies offer a cost-effective means of product development. This translates to reduced capital investments and accelerated prototype development, enabling businesses to iterate their products swiftly. Educational institutions benefit as well, with AMCen offering a range of training programs focused on AM technologies and design. This equips the next generation of engineers with essential knowledge of AM technologies.
The forum conducted by the AMCen on Sept. 7, 2023, at the Amphitheater, Dapitan City Hall, Dapitan City, opened opportunities for possible future collaborations between the DOST Regional Offices, academe, and industry. This is also part of AMCen’s efforts in bringing Industry 4.0 technologies closer to communities in the regions.
Watch out for more DOST-MIRDC activities in the regions, including exhibits and fora in the upcoming RSTIW celebrations around the country.
For more information on the Center’s available technologies and services, interested parties may contact the DOST-MIRDC through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For updates, follow our official Facebook page dostmirdc, and visit our website at mirdc.dost.gov.ph.
