DOST Intensifies Support to Manufacturing Industry through Boosting R&D and Innovation in the Education Sector via AMCen and MEIC
By: Ella Vanesa L. Lopez
The Metals and Engineering Innovation Center: A Force for Regional Development
“Yung mga kakilala ko na nag-aral abroad, karamihan ay di na bumabalik dahil trained nga sila to do R&D (research and development), pero wala namang available facilities to conduct R&D,” this sentiment was shared by Mr. Osric Primo Bern A. Quibot, Senior Science Research Specialist (Sr. SRS) of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), during his presentation for the TeknoMETALino forum held in Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) on September 21, 2022 as part of the Central Visayas Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTIW) celebration.
Mr. Osric Primo Bern A. Quibot presented the establishment of Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) in Region VII
Low R&D outputs in rural areas have long been an issue as most R&D activities are concentrated in the National Capital Region. In its effort to foster R&D engagements in the region, the DOST-MIRDC established Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEIC) across the country. There are MEICs already established in host state universities and colleges (SUCs) in five regions: in the Cordillera Administrative Region, as well as in Regions I, II, III, and X as the outputs of the MEIC Batch 1 project. Now in its second batch, the DOST-MIRDC will cover 10 additional regions including Region VII in which NORSU will be the host university.
The objective is to capacitate SUCs and their faculty researchers through the acquisition of industry-grade machinery and manpower development. Mr. Quibot mentioned that through the establishment of this facility, there is a high expectation that there will be more R&D proposals from SUCs to address specific challenges in their respective regions.
The establishment of this facility will also have positive implications for the local metalworking industry in the region. MEICs will offer a range of services, such as consultancy, machinery design, fabrication, facility use, and training.
As Mr. Quibot said, “We want the services of the DOST-MIRDC to be present in the region.” With the establishment of MEIC in NORSU, communities in Region VII will soon enjoy the services of DOST-MIRDC right in their backyard.
Additive manufacturing is now being made accessible to young learners in Negros Oriental
The integration of additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing in secondary schools’ curriculum is being advocated by the DOST-MIRDC and the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED).
Attendees of the consultative forum for the proposed piloting of Additive Manufacturing to secondary schools
A consultative forum attended by officials from Department of Education-Dumaguete (DepEd-Dumaguete), DOST Region VII, DOST-MIRDC, UP NISMED, Central Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARRDEC), Puzzlebox 3D, and principals and coordinators from different secondary schools in Negros Oriental was held on September 22, 2023, at the Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial (RTPM) Dumaguete Science High School (SHS).
The proposed integration of AM or 3D printing into the secondary education curriculum is seen to revolutionize the current education system and ultimately pave the way for a more scientific and innovative nation. Dr. Sheryl Lyn C. Monterola, UP NISMED’s director, presented evidence of the advantages of integrating AM into the secondary school curriculum. Her team at UP NISMED conducted a study where AM was integrated into the curriculum of UP Integrated School (UP-IS) students for one semester. The results showed a significant improvement in the students' creativity, particularly their originality and ideation.
RTPM Dumaguete SHS has already expressed its intent to integrate the National AM Curriculum developed by UP NISMED into its senior high school curriculum. Preparations are underway for additional science high schools to follow RTPM Dumaguete SHS. According to Dr. Monterola, UP NISMED will tailor-fit the AM curriculum depending on the needs of the students and the timeline of the school. DOST-MIRDC, through its AMCen program, will also provide manpower development to the personnel of the DOST Regional Offices, who will later train the teachers in their respective regions.
A representative from AMCen’s partner supplier, Puzzlebox 3D, Mr. Roberto Manuel, also shared the company’s commitment to the advancement of the education sector, he said “nag-agree na ang management namin na i-offer ang mga affordable at fast-moving printers namin sa education sector, before kasi ‘di namin yun ino-offer sa government bidding dahil ang taas nga ng demand ng retail.”
The integration of the AM curriculum in secondary schools in Negros Oriental will apparently materialize soon, with the support and commitment from the different offices and organizations. Engr. Fred P. Liza, AMCen’s program leader, emphasized the need for dedication from everyone involved in the initiative. He also stressed the importance of establishing a steering committee to oversee the achievement of its objectives, he said “sa mga multi-sectoral activities, kailangan talaga natin ng champions, hindi lang para maging members kung hindi para mag-work hard and share their time and knowledge para maging successful yung program.”
\
AMCen Program Leader, Engr. Fred P. Liza, during his presentation in the consultative forum with secondary school’s officials and teachers.
The future outlook for 3D printing is highly optimistic, and there is a projected surge in demand for 3D printing across different industries, including the education sector. With AMCen at the forefront of navigating this technology, there is high hope for the future of manufacturing in the country.
