GOVPH

Additional Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEICs) to Rise Soon in 10 More Regions in the Country

By Kai H. Negado

 If you think there is so much more that the countryside can do, then you’re right. 

The regions hold so much potential when it comes to innovation.  That is why the Department of Science, through the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), is placing major investments in the regions. 

Following the success of the establishment of the first batch of Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEIC) in Regions 1, 2, 3, 10, and CAR, the DOST-MIRDC further solidified its commitment in bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to the people by signing into an agreement to establish MEICs in more regions in the country.

The 2^nd National Metals and Engineering Conference (NMEC) on June 22, 2023, held the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the DOST-MIRDC, DOST Regional Offices, and state universities and colleges (SUC) from regions 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13.

DOST-MIRDC top management, DOST Regional Directors, and SUC Presidents during the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement for the MEIC batch two project.

In his message of commitment, Batangas State University’s President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, whose university is part of the MEIC Batch 2 project, commented on the metals and engineering (M&E) industry as a great contributor to the country’s GDP and how the MEIC is addressing the industry’s demand in capacitating its workforce. “As part of the MEIC project, SUCs are now capable of contributing to this growth by posturing a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future,’ said Dr. Ronquillo.  “The technological disruptions and trends we see emerging in the global metals industry are guiding our mission,” he added.

The MEICs to be established will be operated by the host SUCs, it will enable partner SUCs to design and fabricate machineries and equipment which support the requirements of the various micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) in their respective regions - strengthening the country’s research and development outputs that will directly benefit our local industries.

For SUCs and MSMEs who are interested in availing of DOST-MIRDC or MEIC services, you may send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Title: NX CAD Fundamental Course

Date: July 24-28, 2023

Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Reservation Link: https://bit.ly/Res_NX_CAD_Fund_Cour_July24-28_8-4pm

Province of Cotabato Eyes the DOST’s Hybrid Electric Road Train as the Province’s Alternative Mode of Transportation

by Kai H. Negado

 The Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), home-grown mass transportation technology, is soon going to be used in the province of Cotabato.

The provincial government of Cotabato signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the DOST Regional Office XII on July 3, 2023 at Tuburan Hall, Amas, Kidapawan City on the adoption of the HERT.

L to R: DOST XII Regional Director Sammy P. Malawan, Cotabato Vice Governor-elect Efren Piñol, DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, Cotabato Governor Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza, and DOST-MIRDC Deputy Director for Technical Services Jonathan Q. Puerto as DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon’s official representative during the MOA signing.

As a prelude to Cotabato’s adoption and utilization of the HERT, the provincial government, DOST XII, and DOST-MIRDC will conduct test runs of the HERT along the roads of Cotabato, with options to re-engineer or modify existing roads to ensure its smooth operation in the area. DOST-MIRDC will train identified personnel from the province to ensure the sustainability of operating and maintaining the HERT. 

The HERT is specially designed as an alternative to mass transport systems - its joined buses with a total length of 45 meters can carry 240 passengers. The HERT is powered by a combination of diesel fuel and electric-powered batteries, a feature that results in the reduction of emissions.  It also features a regenerative brake system, which makes this technology all the more environmentally friendly.

The HERT will be adopted for use by the provincial government of Cotabato after the completion of the dry run, training, and technology transfer.  As such, the HERT is expected to be seen traversing Cotabato’s roads by 2024.

In addition, a task Force will be created to conduct research on the socio-economic impact of the adoption of the HERT to the province of Cotabato.

The DOST-MIRDC shares with the metals industry a vision of enhanced productivity and competitiveness.  The HERT and its adoption by the provincial government of Cotabato is a testament to the vital role of the metals industry in addressing pressing issues and boosting the economy through science, technology, and innovation. 

To be updated on all technologies developed by the DOST-MIRDC, visit the Center’s website, www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph and DOST-MIRDC facebook page.

More Engagements with the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry Provide the DOST with More Opportunities to Determine Appropriate Science, Technology, and Innovation Interventions

 By: Zalda R. Gayahan

 ‘Everything is about timetable,’ was the sentiment shared by Mr. Daniel L. Bautista, President of Northbay Construction Services Corporation, during a consultative meeting with players of the local shipbuilding and ship repair industry (SBSR) in Navotas.

Participants, along with the industry study team of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), staff from the MARINA and DOST-National Capital Region, during the consultative meeting with the shipbuilding and ship repair industry held in Navotas on June 15, 2023.

The consultative meeting was held on June 15, 2023.  The meeting is part of the industry study being conducted by the Department of Science and Technology – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC).  Through the study, the Center aims to present an overview and assessment of the local SBSR industry and determine the most appropriate science, technology, and innovation-based interventions.

‘Gusto namin malaman kung ano ang pangangailangan ng industriya – kaya po kami naririto,’ explains Ms. Lina B. Afable, Chief of the DOST-MIRDC’s Technology Diffusion Division, when she discussed with the participants the purpose of the industry study team’s visit to Navotas.

Ms. Lina B. Afable explains to the consultative meeting participants the purpose of the activity.

According to the 2021 data from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), there is a total of 35 shipyards in the National Capital Region (NCR): five are Class B, and 30 are Class C.  The meeting was a gathering of shipyards in Navotas to discuss strengths and challenges.

A typical business day for a shipyard in Navotas.

In Mr.  Bautista’s statement about timetables, he referred to the sad reality that all steel materials that shipyards use are imported.  While local shipbuilders can deliver in six months, China delivers in three months.  Before the shipyard can even secure a job order, the client has already decided to deal with a shipyard in China.  A lost opportunity. 

The industry study team raised the issue of the local SBSR industry being weak in terms of ship design skills, which was an issue mentioned by other shipyards in Cebu and Zamboanga.  Navotas shipyards had a different insight about this.

Mr. Arturo Balahadia (standing second from left); Mr. Daniel Bautista (standing fourth from right)

The participants revealed that Korea is another competitor in the business.  According to the shipyard officials, there is very little market.  Private companies go to Korea for their shipbuilding and ship repair requirements.  ‘Karamihan sa mga shipyards, hindi nag-iinvest sa software at hardware kasi hindi developed ang market,’ remarked Mr. Arturo Balahadia, Vice President, Josefa Slipways, Inc.  ‘Madaling bumili ng software.  Saan mo gagamitin kung walang oorder sa yo?’ he continues.  Industry players do not engage in the necessary investments.  This is a cause for more lost opportunities.

The challenges the SBSR industry players do not end there. 

The participants were one in saying that naval architects are going out of the country.  They also brought out the fact that universities offering naval architecture courses do not use advanced naval architecture software.  To this end, the shipyards suggested to the industry study team to encourage the universities to use modern software to develop the skills the industry needs.   When the academe starts producing people skilled in naval architecture, SBSR companies will then be encouraged to invest in software and hardware.

Another issue raised during the meeting is about the monopoly in the supplies of engines and spare parts.  With this, the local industry cannot compete with counterpart SBSR industry players from countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. 

Clearly, the country needs to create an enabling environment for the local SBSR industry.  Being the fourth top country in terms of shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities, the industry holds a huge potential in boosting the Philippine economy. 

To address the issues raised by the shipyards, it appears that interventions are needed in the following areas: establishment of a testing center, particularly non-destructive testing (NDT); assistance in securing the necessary certifications; making appropriate tax incentives available; raising awareness on market potential; and training. 

The consultative meeting with Navotas shipyards put forward some new concerns that need to be addressed.  The DOST-MIRDC’s engagement with the SBSR industry continues as the industry study team prepares to conduct site visits and another consultative meeting with shipyards in Regions IVA, III, VI, and XII in the month of July. 

The DOST-MIRDC is in close coordination with the MARINA and DOST Regional Offices for this initiative.