DOST offers aquaculture industry with a technology-based business solution
By Ella Vanesa L. Lopez
“Nakakatakot, dahil para sa amin malaking pera ang ii-invest, pero sa negosyo kailangan ay matapang ka… ako ay interesado talaga [sa i-POND], gusto ko ng malaking kita,” Beatriz Masangcay, a traditional shrimp farmer in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on the DOST-MIRDC’s iPOND technology during her visit to the Aqua Tierra Farm where the first i-POND prototype was installed.
DOST-MIRDC conducted a technology demonstration of i-POND in Aqua Tierra Farm, Oriental Mindoro on April 19-20, 2024 for farm owners, operators, and academe.
Traditional shrimp farmers rely on manual monitoring methods, such as visual observation or tools like thermometers, to assess water quality parameters. However, these conventional techniques are susceptible to human error and inconsistency, posing significant challenges for farm owners and operators.
The future of shrimp farming in the Philippines takes a significant leap forward with the introduction of the i-POND monitoring system developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC). The i-POND utilizes a long-range wide area network (LoRaWAN) technology to provide real-time monitoring of critical water quality parameters essential for shrimp survival.
With the i-POND, farmers can remotely monitor the water quality of their ponds using their smartphones or laptops, as long as an internet connection is available. This empowers the farmers to make informed decisions swiftly, enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring optimal conditions for shrimp growth and development, and assuring financial gains.
(T) i-POND prototype installed at Aqua Tierra Farm and (B) sample historical data collected by i-POND
Engr. Renato Gaudencio T. Goco, owner of Aqua Tierra Farm, expressed his enthusiasm for this technology, stating, "Ang kagandahan niyan [i-POND]… nate-test namin on real time kung may mga significant changes sa quality ng water… hindi na namin kailangan hintayin na may lumutang na hipon, makakapagrespond agad kami with corrective action." He also emphasized the convenience this technology has provided them in their day-to-day activities in the farm.
As shrimp farming continues to play a vital role in the economic landscape of the country, more farmers are starting to recognize the need to adopt modern solutions to enhance farm efficiency and financial returns. The integration of advanced monitoring solutions like i-POND reflects DOST-MIRDC's commitment to empowering farmers with the tools and technologies they need to succeed and foster growth in the aquaculture industry.
For more information on how DOST-MIRDC may help your businesses, you may send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or message us on Facebook at dostmirdc.
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.
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.
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.
The Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC)-MIRDC continues to provide training to our industry's workforce to raise productivity and skill levels. Discover how developing new plastic products or enhancing current ones is known as Plastic Product Development. This can involve creating plastic products through design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing for a range of markets, including consumer goods, automotive, electronics, and healthcare. You are invited to the face-to-face training for Plastic Product Development. Reserve your slot now. For reservation, click on the link below. Limited slots only.