Bicol Region Gears Up for More Innovations through BiSCAST- DOST-MIRDC Partnership and Establishment of MEIC
by Ella Vanesa L. Lopez
In a bid to strengthen the university’s focus on science, technology, and innovation, delegates from the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BiSCAST), led by its president Dr. Alex H. Navarroza, along with some officials from DOST Region V, embarked on a bench learning activity with the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) on February 20, 2024. The visit held importance in laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) in Region V.
BiSCAST and DOST Region V delegates visit the different facilities of DOST-MIRDC: (From top to bottom) Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL); Welding Facility; Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen); and Machine Shop.
Recognizing the scarcity of resources and expertise in the field of metals and engineering especially in the countryside, DOST-MIRDC is spearheading efforts to establish MEICs nationwide. These “mini-MIRDC” will serve as a local hub for research and development (R&D), extending the Center’s services to rural areas and empowering local researchers to undertake projects that directly benefit their communities.
For its first batch, five MEICs have been successfully established nationwide. Building upon this momentum, DOST-MIRDC is actively working to set up 10 additional MEICs across the country, under Batch 2 of the MEIC project. MEIC-BiSCAST is poised to serve as a beacon of innovation for Region V.
Presently, efforts are underway to equip the BiSCAST and other state universities and colleges (SUC) hosting the MEICs with essential machinery and equipment. With assistance totaling approximately P10M for each SUC, the MEIC project enabled its partner universities and colleges to utilize industry-grade metals and engineering machinery such as Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding machine, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding machine, sheet metal roller, press brake, and hydraulic shearing machine. Additionally, training programs have been conducted for SUC faculty and researchers since the inception of the MEIC batch two project in August 2023.
Testing and commissioning of delivered TIG and MIG welding machines at the MEICs
The collaborative efforts between BiSCAST and DOST-MIRDC signify a proactive step towards fostering technological excellence and driving socio-economic development in the Bicol region. As both institutions synergize their expertise and resources, the prospect of groundbreaking innovations and transformative solutions looms large on the horizon, promising a brighter, more technologically empowered future for the region.
Dr. Navarroza expressed keen interest in forging partnerships with DOST-MIRDC, envisioning joint training programs for the faculty, on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities for students, and potential collaborations with DOST-MIRDC’s AMCen.
