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DOST-MIRDC Gives Attention to Cavite’s Industries
By: Jim Patrick S.D. Erispe
In the recently concluded industry dialogue, “An Afternoon with Cavite’s Leading Economic Drivers: A Virtual Industry Dialogue,” held on May 6, 2022, the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) had the opportunity to converse with some of Cavite’s leading economic forces, government officials, and academic personalities.
What factors drive business dynamics in the province of Cavite? Here are some of the points discussed in the dialogue:
Cavite has a rapidly growing population. Affordable properties in residential real estate, the availability of the province’s rich resources, and numerous industrial estates that offer a paradise for skilled workers are among the reasons why Cavite is such an attractive place to live in.
Cavite is home to a large number of economic and industrial zones, most of which are Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-owned or PEZA-accredited. Companies in Cavite that opt to locate in PEZA are recipients of numerous incentives. Ms. Rose Cabailo, OIC, Department Manager of the PEZA, cited some advantages enjoyed by PEZA locators: ease of doing business, one-stop-shop transactions due to the presence of various government agencies such as the Bureau of Customs, and a tax holiday for a specific period, to name a few.
Mr. Rommel Baldevarona of Sanno Philippines Manufacturing Corp. added, "If you register something like a pioneering technology or product, you will receive additional tax holidays. This type of benefit is one of the advantages of being a member of PEZA.”
Agriculture remains to be Cavite’s primary industry. Ms. Anna Pamela Nova of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Cavite shared that many Caviteños, particularly the retirees, are venturing into farming. To support those who are willing to plant but do not have enough space for their plots, she shared their office provides lectures on hydroponics. Another support that farmers get is from PhilMech which provides agricultural equipment.
In response to the information about the Cavite agriculture industry, Ms. Candy Lanzuela of the Metalworking Association of the Philippines (MIAP) asked the Provincial Agriculturist Cavite if there is a way for the metals industry players to get information about the equipment requirements of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for 2022. Ms. Lanzuela also inquired if it is possible for the DA to include the industry in pre-procurement planning. This, according to Ms. Lanzuela, is to ensure that the industry can better meet the DA’s requirements.
Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto, Deputy Executive Director for Technical Services of the MIRDC, shared that the DA is currently accrediting providers or suppliers of agricultural machinery. “The new government program permits local governments to determine their own agricultural equipment needs," Engr. Puerto further commented as he responds to the inquiry of Ms. Lanzuela.
The metals industry representatives during the dialogue aired the industry’s concerns. Mr. Jimmy Chan of Maximetal Industries Inc., Mr. Dennis Chan of Famous Secret, and Mr. Rommel Baldevarona brought up the fact that the benefits of being a PEZA locator are diminishing and that the prices of raw materials are increasing every week. They also shared that they are facing human resource-related issues such as a limited talent pool, costly training of employees, and employees who prefer to return to the province due to the pandemic. Many businesses had to close because of these problems.
The industry players pointed out that the minimum wage given to our workers is not competitive, that is why Filipino skilled workers are continuously pirated by other countries. Mr. Dennis Chan compared our status with Vietnam. "Vietnam's economy is growing faster than the Philippines," said Mr. Chan. He further added that the best way to destroy a country is not by bombing it, but by hiring its people. Once the skilled workers are gone, there will be no human resources to take care of the economy.
Regarding the issue of insufficient people to hire, Mr. Tosh Eleazar of the Philippine Welding Society (PWS) stated that they have been continuously training welders and will soon bring their training program to Cavite. This is the PWS’ response to the lack of skilled laborers reported by the industry.
In the school year 2020-2021, the province of Cavite had 117,782 senior high school students. The Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track was chosen by a quarter of the students (25.83 percent). TVL is believed to be the best course for students who want to start working immediately after graduation.
The Cavite academe representative in the dialogue, Dr. Jose Lisama of Cavite State University, shared his thoughts about how they contribute to addressing the need for human resources, "Our senior high school students are currently in Grade 11. It is encouraging to learn that Cavite industries welcome high school graduates. We anticipate forming partnerships with these industries in the coming years."
Although other companies in the metals, engineering, and allied industries have closed down as a result of the pandemic, many are still in operation and have adjusted to the new normal. The metals industry representatives voiced some of their suggestions on how the government can provide better assistance to MSMEs. They suggested that the government take a paradigm shift and for the Department of Trade and Industry to offer incentives to businesses that employ modern technologies.
Cavite is a province with a lot to offer – its people, resources, and economic development. The dialogue, which served as a springboard for launching the industry study that will be conducted by the Center in 2022, gathered insights that reflect the commitment and support of various industries to help sustain the province’s robust economy. With science and technology support in every way, Caviteños and their stakeholders can look forward to a brighter and more promising economy.
The 2022 MIRDC industry study entitled “Capabilities, Market Opportunities, and Business Landscapes among Metalworking Industry Players in Cavite” aims to bring out facts and insights from the industry players themselves. From these, we envision the industry study report that the Center will publish before the end of 2022 to be a useful reference such as for planning, decision-making for both the government and business sectors, and curriculum design for the academe.
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MIRDC Shifts to Face-to-Face Training
By: Jim Patrick S.D. Erispe
The conduct of face-to-face training at the Department of Science and Technology- Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) is back.
The Center once again offers in-person training programs to allow participants to gain comprehensive know-how of a training course, particularly those that require hands-on practical activities.
Due to the health hazards posed by the Covid-19 virus, webinars were utilized extensively throughout the globe. Webinars are convenient to attend, can reach a larger audience, and are cost-effective, among other benefits, which explain why the public has readily adopted them.
Although webinars offer several benefits, they also have some limitations such as limited interaction, technical difficulties, lack of teamwork, absence of body language, and lack of environmental control.
Since restrictions regarding Covid-19 protocols have been gradually loosened, businesses are beginning to gain traction. People are now free to move throughout the metro. The public has resumed normal activities as a result.
The Center, adhering to its mission of assisting the metals, engineering, and allied industries, is opening its doors once again to individuals, companies, and other groups in training programs.
The MIRDC's first in-person training session, "Fundamentals of Gear Hobbing Operation," was held in November of 2021. Since that time, MIRDC has provided 43 face-to-face training courses.
"This is the demand of our partners and stakeholders. MIRDC will continue to implement training programs that require hands-on exercises. We hope that the situation will steadily improve in the next coming months so that we can regularly deliver such services to the different sectors," Chief of the Industrial Training Section, Engr. Reynaldo L. Dela Cruz Jr., said.
MIRDC is responsible for the training of engineers and technicians for the metals and engineering industries. The resumption of face-to-face training courses will help MIRDC address the country's need for enhanced technical skills – skills that are crucial in enabling the country to become more resilient in the face of challenges in the future.
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By: Mitchel R. Hernandez
The Automatic Trash Rake (ATR) Facility was turned over to the City of Malabon on May 27, 2022. The event was graced by the presence of Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Secretary Jim O. Sampulna, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Atty. Voltaire Dela Cruz, City Administrator of Malabon (representing the Honorable Antolin A. Oreta III, Mayor City of Malabon).
The inspiration behind the ATR project is the need to improve the wastewater management system in the Malabon-Navotas-Tullahan-Tinajeros (MaNaTuTi) River System.
The ATR project was designed as a response to the DENR-call EBM's for proposals because of the need to enhance the wastewater management system, particularly in the Malabon-Navotas-Tullahan-Tinejeros (MaNaTuTi) River System.'
The ATR is an alternate strategy intended to enhance flood management by improving rubbish collection. Its mechanical design includes the capacity to raise and clear drainage systems clogged with huge debris along the creek.
The DENR has been consistent in its efforts to address the nation's solid waste management issues. The management of solid waste is one of the DENR's major programs. The DENR Secretary Jim O. Sampulna expressed gratitude to the DOST for implementing the ATR project. “I have high hopes that we would be able to implement the initiative everywhere throughout the Philippines,” Sec. Sampulna remarked.
Atty. Michael Drake P. Matias, Regional Director for DENR-EMB, attributed the ATR project’s success to the partnership that was established between the DOST-MIRDC, the DENR-EMB, and the LGU-Malabon.
Secretary Fortunato T. Dela Peña stated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as healthy living, sustainable water and sanitation management for everyone, and resilient infrastructure, to name a few that the ATR can help fulfill.
With the turnover, Malabon City acknowledged its responsibility in operating and maintaining the ATR Facility. The installation and operation of ATR in Malabon came at an opportune time as the rainy season has officially started. Using the ATR technology, the project team is optimistic the flooding issues will be finally addressed.
The officials from the collaborating agencies for the ATR project (from left to right): Dr. Al O. Orolfo (Asst. Regional Director for Management Services, DENR), Atty. Michael Drake P. Matias (Regional Director, DENR-EMB) , Sec. Jim O. Sampulna (DENR Secretary), Atty. Voltaire Dela Cruz (City Administrator of Malabon), Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig (Deputy Executive Director for R&D), Mark Mesina (Chief, Malabon CENRO), Sec. Fortunato T. Dela Peña (DOST, Secretary), Engr. Rodnel O. Tamayo (Chief, Prototyping Division), Dir. Jose B. Patalinjug III (Regional Director, DOST-NCR)
