DOST powers CALABARZON with R&D and Manufacturing Capabilities at Batangas State University
By: Ella Vanesa L. Lopez
Malvar, Batangas – October 7, 2024 – In a strategic move to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially inaugurated the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) at Batangas State University (BatStateU) Malvar Campus today. Primarily, this center aims to empower industries and academe in the CALABARZON region with advanced metalworking technologies and research and development (R&D) support.
(T) DOST officials’ ribbon cutting and (B) unveiling of MEIC-BatStateU marker
Top photo, From L to R: BatStateU Malvar Chancellor, Dr. Amado C. Gequinto, DOST CALABARZON RD Emelita Bagsit, BatStateU Pres. Tirso A. Ronquillo, DOST Sec. Renato U. Solidum, DOST USec Leah J. Buendia, and DOST-MIRDC Exec Dir. Robert O. Dizon
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. described the MEIC as a crucial asset for local agricultural machinery fabrication, underscoring its potential to reduce the Philippines' dependence on imported equipment. “Isa sa ating tinitingnan na kailangan natin palakasin ay ang fabrication ng agricultural machineries na kinakailangan natin upang ma-mechanize ang ating agricultural sector. Instead of importing foreign machinery, kayang-kaya na 'yan ng mga Pilipino,” Secretary Solidum asserted.
DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon shared that the initiative, originally envisioned to establish three MIRDC satellite offices across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, has since grown, with five MEICs now operational and 10 more in development.
The MEIC, often referred to as a "mini-MIRDC," is equipped with approximately PHP 10 million worth of industrial-grade machinery, providing facilities for designing and fabricating machines and metal components. This setup will allow researchers to develop practical R&D outputs, which local fabricators can then commercialize, enhancing efficiency in the industry.
Highlighting the significance of innovation, DOST Undersecretary for R&D Dr. Leah J. Buendia noted the center's potential to drive growth in the renowned coffee industry of Batangas and other agri-processing sectors. “Innovation begins by identifying problems and turning ideas into tangible solutions, and now you have the tools to make that happen,” she stated.
Some of the machineries installed at MEIC-BatStateU
Top to Bottom: Hydraulic Shearing Machine, Rolling Machine, Hydraulic Press Brake, and Plasma Cutting Machine
The MEIC will also serve as a training hub for students, researchers, and industry professionals, providing hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in metalworking. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap in the engineering sector and equip future professionals with practical competencies.
BatStateU President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo expressed optimism about the center's role in enhancing their academic programs. “The MEIC is a very critical supplement to our offered engineering and technology programs,” he said.
Strategically located in Malvar, BatStateU, through MEIC, aims to attract investors and foster collaborations in the region, by leveraging Malvar’s growing industries and prime location. The center is expected to drive economic growth by promoting partnerships among industry, academe, and government, particularly focusing on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The establishment of the MEIC is part of a nationwide initiative by DOST to create innovation centers in key regions across the Philippines. With five centers already operational in Regions I, II, III, CAR, and X, the MEIC at Batangas State University is part of the second batch, with full operational status expected by 2026.
