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.
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.
DOST Steers Additive Manufacturing Adoption in Cagayan Valley
by Faith P. Macatangay
The Department of Science and Technology, through the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), continues to extend the additive manufacturing (AM) services of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) in the countryside through the 2023 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTIW) celebration in Cagayan Valley.
During the SET-IT-UP Forum and Awarding learning session, held at the Robinsons Place Tuguegarao on November 15, 2023, Mr. Ramcis Allen A. Chan, AMCen’s Project Technical Specialist I, presented AMCen as a driving force for the Philippines’ AM development.
The forum detailed the advantages of using AM, commonly known as 3D printing, as compared with the formative and subtractive manufacturing practices. “Sa subtractive manufacturing, mayroon tayong 10 steps bago makagawa ng product, but in additive manufacturing, we only need four steps,” said Mr. Chan. He cites AM as more cost and time-efficient in most manufacturing applications.
The Philippines is ranked second to Singapore in the Southeast Asia region in AM innovations. Aside from completing the acquisition of state-of-the-art technologies, the AMCen has already conducted numerous research and development initiatives and produced 3D-printed prototypes that are beneficial in the fields of space research, environment, transport, and medicine.
Mr.Chan also emphasized to the audience that soon, Region II can avail AMCen services through the Advanced Remote Manufacturing Services (ARMS), where the DOST regional offices and provincial centers will become the AMCen’s satellite offices, and through the AMCen Integrated Online System (AIOS), AMCen’s online service and payment platform. In addition, Cagayanos can also avail of the curriculums specifically designed to capacitate the technical capabilities of students, faculty members, and government employees.
Mr. Ramcis Allen A. Chan presents the AMCen-developed curriculum for the Senior High School students and DOST employees to Cagayanos on November 15, 2023, at the Robinsons Place Tuguegarao.
Mr. Chan proudly remarked about the four-year DOST-funded project, “Medyo bata pa ang advanced manufacturing sa bansa pero marami na tayong milestone na naganap.”
For information about the latest technologies, services, and promotional activities of the DOST-MIRDC, follow our DOSTMIRDC Facebook page and visit our website www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph.
DOST-MIRDC’s Study Team Showcases Potential Resolutions to the Issues Faced by the SBSR Industry, as the 2023 Industry Study Nears its Completion
By James Bernard S. Herrera
After months of consultative meetings and immersion activities with the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry players across the country, the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) study team has finally pinpointed issues faced by the local SBSR industry: workforce management, technology, regulatory compliance and certification, environmental sustainability, and potential collaborations and partnerships.
The DOST-MIRDC embarked on an industry study entitled Exploring Growth Opportunities for the SBSR Industry in the Philippines in 2023. The study’s scope includes the assessment of the business landscape and the determination of the most appropriate interventions based on these assessments. In a focus group discussion (FGD) held on 05 December 2023, the industry study team led by Dr. Anthony Greg F. Alonzo, LPT, discussed the study’s findings and recommendations with representatives from shipyards and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Regarding workforce management, shipyards are facing challenges on brain drain, a problem that is also present in other industries. Educational institutions rarely offer naval architecture courses, which is one factor why the number of graduates is quite limited to fill in the needs of shipyards.
Apart from that, while there are graduates from various sectors that specialize in skilled work that can be utilized in SBSR (technical schools and K–12 programs), most of them still lack the actual training needed in the shipyards, a statement that was agreed upon by the shipyard representatives that are present.
For these matters, recommendations mainly related to bridging the gaps between the SBSR industry and academia were presented, such as holding consultations between shipyards and education institutions to determine the most effective courses and programs. These consultations, when done regularly, will be an avenue for shipyards to direct their concerns to the academe, which is in the best position to design curriculums that will equip students with skills and competencies that better suit the needs of the industry.
Engr. Bryan V. Pulmano, Shipyard Manager of F. F. Cruz & Co. Inc., expressed his appreciation of the group’s recommendation and stated, “It’s good. For improvement, marami tayong graduates from different sectors but lacks proper training, so it’s much better na magkaroon tayo training programs specializing in SBSR.”
Engr. Noel G. Lucero, General Manager of Jagnee Fishing Corp., raised his concern as he responded, “Maraming graduates in other regions like Cebu because they have universities offering courses for SBSR, but here in Iloilo, wala." He then said that if the government will consider providing scholarship programs for the locals, especially for those who wish to study and work in their region rather than go to other places for education, then it will be very helpful for the industry. The industry study team acknowledged this input, which will be included as part of the study’s recommendations.
Presented next are the technology-related issues, one of which is the lack of hardware and software for ship design. While most of the industry players focus on ship repair, several shipyards still want to acquire more advanced technology for ship design, but simple acquisition will not provide a complete solution because the shipyards admit that they still lack sufficient training on these technologies.
Aside from software, one more issue regarding technology is the use of traditional machinery, where representatives expressed their desire to upgrade to use modern technology to add to the proficiency of their services. As stated by SAFI Shipyard Inc.’s Operations Manager, Victor A. Vargas, possessing new technology is bound to boost their efficiency and Engr. Lucero added that computer-aided fabrication will truly be of help in shipbuilding.
For this issue, the study team recommends the procurement of advanced software and modern machinery to boost the shipyard’s production and repair rates. Engr. Lucero interjected that SBSR industry players would greatly appreciate it if the importation of tech equipment would be tax-free, which was also noted by the presenter.
Next is the regulatory compliance and certification concern. With MARINA’s initiative to promote quality management within the SBSR industry, they now require shipyards to have International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification. Through the course of the team’s series of consultative meetings and from the statistical report provided by MARINA, it was clear that many of the shipyards nationwide still have not acquired their certification due to their concerns of uncertainty, which were once again raised by the FGD participants.
Engr. Ben P. Beltran, General Manager of R< Shipyard and Realty Development Corp., stated that while they do appreciate that an ISO certification boosts client confidence towards local shipyards, they find that the process of obtaining certification still needs to be improved, an area that should be taken care of by the government.
Engr. Lucero added that the industry needs government assistance, especially in ISO certification training. According to him, being uncertified hinders shipbuilding opportunities. Due to a lack of certification, his shipyard was downgraded from being a shipbuilder to just performing ship repairs.
Dr. Alonzo further discussed that shipyards encountered a common situation about acquiring an ISO certification - hiring consultants for ISO training is costly yet does not guarantee a successful certification, which holds back shipyards from doing so. This is where Engr. Lucero raised a suggestion, saying, “Why not pool us together and the government can provide us with the training needed?”
With clear concerns on this matter, Dr. Alonzo informed the shipyards that the MIRDC assists companies regarding ISO certification through consultancy and seminars. This presented a possible partnership between the shipyards and the MIRDC, one that the industry may strongly consider pursuing.
Discussed next was environmental sustainability. Dr. Alonzo presented the study’s recommendation of shipyards practicing eco-friendly maritime day-to-day practices, such as regulating waste disposal to prevent the pollution of marine ecosystems. Shipyard representatives found this agreeable. Dr. Alonzo added that integrating modern and eco-friendly technology into their processes will contribute to this global cause.
Last to be discussed was the potential of collaborations and partnerships of shipyards with other institutions, such as with educational institutions for workforce management concerns, and with government agencies for various support for the continuously growing SBSR industry.
With the participants’ generous sharing of insights, the industry study team is set to finalize the write-up, which will be the final output of this initiative. Recommendations will be shared with the relevant stakeholders for appropriate and immediate action.
Watch out for the final publication of this industry study, Exploring Growth Opportunities for the SBSR Industry in the Philippines, which will be released very soon!
DOST Advocates the Use of Additive Manufacturing in the Ilocos Region
by Faith P. Macatangay
October 10, 2023
The Department of Science and Technology, through the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) continues to promote the additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) around the country through DOST’s 2023 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTIW) celebrations.
During the DIGInnovation: Reimagining and Evolving Entire Systems and Processes held at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena on October 17, 2023, Engr. Hannah H. Ramos, AMCen’s Project Technical Assistant IV, presented how AMCen, poised to become the leading research and development hub in 3D printing, will help pave the way for the adoption of AM in the country.
Engr. Hannah H. Ramos presents the 3D printing technologies of the Advanced Manufacturing Center to Ilocanos on October 17, 2023 at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.
The forum highlighted the various state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies located at the AMCen facility in Bicutan, Taguig City. Successful collaborative projects since AMCen’s establishment were also presented, including its partnerships with both local and international 3D printer suppliers, the industry, academe, and other government agencies. In addition, the available training programs and AM curriculum to be offered to the academe are tackled for the continuous development of a community of AM potentials. All these were points of interest for the forum attendees, and also a nudge of encouragement for them to think of creative ways on how AM or 3D printing may introduce innovation to existing processes and products.
Engr. Ramos gave the attendees a glimpse of how AMCen will contribute to the province’s capabilities, “With the success of the [Research on Advanced Prototyping for Product Innovation and Development using Additive Manufacturing Technologies] RAPPID-ADMATEC project, AMCen will continue acquiring new batches of manufacturing technologies, significantly to improve our technical capabilities.”
Ending on a positive note, Engr. Ramos concluded that “AMCen’s services and opportunities will be available nationwide.”
For detailed information about DOST-MIRDC’s promotional activities especially in the region, like and follow our DOSTMIRDC Facebook page and visit our website www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph.
