DOST Upskills Las Piñas Residents with Welding for Increased Livelihood
by Faith P. Macatangay
“Sumali ako bilang dagdag kaalaman ko, at gusto ko rin ng hands-on training experience.. Malaki ang magiging career growth [ko] sa welding,” Daniel Joseph S. Reyes, a resident of Brgy. Talon Uno, Las Piñas on his plans when he completes the free welding training program.
Residents of Brgy. Talon Uno in Las Piñas was trained in Oxy-Acetylene Welding (OAW) by the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), through its Advanced Welding Training Center (AWTC).
Mr. Reynaldo L. Dela Cruz, Jr., Chief of DOST-MIRDC’s Industrial Training Section, spearheaded the training sessions starting with a lecture on February 26, 2024 at Brgy. Talon Uno’s Barangay Hall. It was then followed by a two-day hands-on training session at the AWTC facility in the DOST-MIRDC compound on February 27 and 28, 2024 where the OAW equipment is housed.
The 12 participants of the Oxy-Acetylene Welding training program, together with personnel from the Philippine Welding Society (PWS), DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), and Hon. Irene Gallardo of Barangay Talon Uno, Las Piñas. (Photo source: Kap. Irene Gallardo Facebook Page)
“Ang layunin kung bakit natin kinoconduct ang skills program na ito ay upang sa gano’n kung guminhawa ang isa sa miyembro ng pamilyang Pilipino, makakatulong din siya sa ilang miyembro o kaibigan,” Mr. Dela Cruz emphasized on why they are continuously conducting training programs and extending them to rural communities.
The AWTC is a training hub that implements welding programs and conducts assessments or trade tests, especially for the graduates of the AWTC. This facility was established as a collaborative project between the Philippine Welding Society, Inc. (PWS), Rotary International Mandaluyong Central, and the DOST-MIRDC, and aims to bridge the gap between the supply and demand of a skilled workforce in the country.
Successfully trained participants will have the opportunity to be included in the advanced welding training programs that AWTC will also offer.
“In-demand ang welders dito at sa abroad. Hindi lang ma-uupgrade ang skills ng mga residente ng Talon Uno, may confidence na rin sila para makapag-apply ng trabado related sa welding o makapagsimula ng sarili nilang negosyo,” Analou N. Romero, Head Coordinator of Brgy. Talon Uno, shared her gratitude on behalf of their community.
For possible training collaborations and 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 on DOST-MIRDC’s training programs, follow our official Facebook page dostmirdc, and visit our website at mirdc.dost.gov.ph.
