DOST Delivers P10M Worth of Metalworking Machinery Each to 10 Partner-SUC
by: Ella Vanesa L. Lopez
DOST continues to help Filipinos see where our taxes go.
The Department of Science and Technology, through the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), started the delivery of metalworking machinery valued at approximately P10 million for each of the 10 state universities and colleges (SUC) across the country. This is a significant milestone under the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) project.
The MEIC project envisions more research and development activities and outputs in the regions. To realize this, MEIC facilities established in various regions will offer design and fabrication services. Similar to DOST-MIRDC, these MEICs will also offer other technical services to the industry, including training, consultancy, and facility use.
Some of the delivered machinery at the MEIC-BiSCAST last March 2, 2024.
What is the inspiration behind this goal of the MEIC? A study conducted by DOST-MIRDC revealed that 98% of companies in the M&E industry in the regions still use conventional equipment. Through the MEIC, the academe and the industry will gain access to more advanced technologies - capable of producing a variety of products with improved quality. These include a hydraulic press brake, hydraulic shearing machine, sheet metal roller, electric hoist (2 tons), plasma cutting machine, horizontal bandsaw, TIG and MIG welding machines, alongside various measuring and electric hand tools.
The initial recipient of these machinery is the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BiSCAST) in Region V. Expressing his excitement for the project, MEIC- BiSCAST manager, Engr. Joselito A. Ruadil said, “Sa kasalukuyan, ang Region 5 ay wala pang ganitong facility na ginagamit sa research.. buti nalang mayroong MEIC, sakto sya sa purpose na makatulong sa pag gawa ng mga tools and machines para yung mga manual operation processes ng ibang SMEs ay maging mechanized.”
Next to receive the machinery are the Batangas State University, Western Philippines University, Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, University of Southern Philippines, Mindanao State University, Surigao State College of Technology, Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas, Negros Oriental State University and, Eastern Visayas State University.
The MEIC project has a total of P176M budget. Aside from providing machinery to the MEICs, the project is implementing training programs to SUC faculty and researchers and will provide funding support for their R&D projects, particularly for the fabrication of equipment which, when adopted and commercialized, can potentially address issues in their respective communities.
Ongoing training programs on Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), and Metal Fabrication conducted by DOST-MIRDC from March 11-15, 2024 for SUCs under the MEIC project.
DOST-MIRDC is still in the process of establishing the MEICs and honing the skills of its staff. Eyed to be completed by early 2026, MEIC expertise and services will be accessible to local industries and other SUCs within their respective regions.
