Drums are Beating in Preparation for the Metals and Engineering Week 2024
by Faith P. Macatangay
M&E Week 2024
The M&E Week is scheduled for June 18-21, 2024, in compliance with Presidential Proclamation No. 144, issued in 2011, which declared the third week of June as the Metals and Engineering Week. This yearly celebration is being held to acknowledge and appreciate the vital contribution of the metals, engineering, and allied industries to the economy’s dynamism.
This annual celebration, a tradition since 2009, offers numerous opportunities for learning and engagement. Key highlights for this year’s celebration include the M&E Industry Forum 2024 and the 3rd National M&E Conference, both set to take place at Hilton Manila on June 21, 2024. Other events include the M&E Skills Competition, an Open House at the DOST-MIRDC compound and Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC) in Cavite, and various free webinars.
Drumbeating M&E Week 2024
The Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) held the M&E Week press conference to promote to the media the upcoming national celebration for the metals and engineering industry. Executive Director Robert O. Dizon emphasized the importance of media practitioners in disseminating credible and reliable information to the public, stating, "We rely on you to help us spread the good news that we have a metals and engineering industry that makes ways to make the economy more stable."
The event served as a platform for information exchange among industry associations, academic institutions, government agencies, and media representatives.
"Metals and Engineering Industry for a Brighter Tomorrow: Revitalized, Unyielding, and Sustainable"
Bannered by the theme, ‘Metals and Engineering Industry for a Brighter Tomorrow: Revitalized, Unyielding, and Sustainable,’ insights into the current market situation of the Philippine manufacturing industry were shared and discussed with the media. This was presented by Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development (R&D) and Chair of the M&E Week 2024 Committee. He underscored the critical role of the M&E industry in meeting the demands of various economic sectors and showcased the Center's R&D programs and specialized facilities designed to support local metals, engineering, and allied industries.
Industry representatives shared their latest technological advancements and initiatives aimed at driving innovation and contributing to the country's pursuit of a brighter future.
Industry partners expressed support for the upcoming M&E Week 2024 during the press conference at the DOST-MIRDC.
Updates, news, and other stories about the metals and engineering industry will unfold as the MIRDC spearheads the observance of the M&E Week 2024. More information about the industry and the upcoming event are available at the DOST-MIRDC website and FB page, as well as the visit the M&E Week website at www.metalsweek.dost.gov.ph.
Attendees from the media, DOST Media Core, industry, academe, and government during the M&E Week Press Conference at the DOST-MIRDC Compound, Taguig.
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.
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 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.
