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DOST-Developed Mass Transportation Alternatives Eyed by DOTr as Potential Technology-Based Solution to Easing Passenger Transfers within NAIA Terminals

By: Zalda R. Gayahan

Bicutan, Taguig City -  The Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) System is being considered as a means to connect terminals 1 to 4 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).  

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum welcomed Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista as the two department heads signed a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the partnership of the DOTr with the DOST, through the Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC). 

Present to witness the MOA signing was Engr. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), who presented to the DOTr Secretary alternative mass transportation technologies developed by the Center: the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) System; Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), and Hybrid Electric Train (HET).

Mass transportation alternatives developed by the DOST-MIRDC: L - Automated Guideway Transit (AGT), center - Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), and R - Hybrid Electric Train

DOTr Secretary Bautista immediately saw the benefits of adopting these home-grown mass transportation technologies, particularly the AGT which offers the best solution to make transfers to various terminals of the NAIA easy and convenient.

DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista (L), DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum (center), and DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Engr. Robert O. Dizon, view and discuss the possibility of utilizing DOST-developed mass transportation technologies such as the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) to connect Terminals 1 to 4 of the NAIA.

Aside from the AGT, the HERT is also seen as a possible alternative to buses for the EDSA Carousel and the articulated buses for the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in the country.

To formalize these concepts, the DOTr and DOST agreed to work on the preparation of a project proposal for further consideration by the two agencies.  Should this proposal later progress and be implemented as a joint project, the public can expect to have safer and more convenient public transportation.

DOST-developed Technologies Continue To Provide Revenue to the Local Equipment Fabricators

 By: Ella Vanesa L. Lopez

Sold!

The holiday spirit is in the air for Gecar Machine Solutions Inc. as they recently closed another successful transaction with the food manufacturing sector.

Installation of the modified LPG Fired Spray Dryer at EVSU-EVFIC

The Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center (EVFIC), located inside the campus of the Eastern Visayas State University, procured from Gecar a modified version of the DOST-MIRDC’s LPG Fired Spray Dryer for its continuous expansion. The LPG Fired Spray Dryer   was created as a cheaper alternative to high-end, imported machinery. It quickly and effectively dries food solutions, slurries, pastes, gels, or suspensions, and it offers the preferable method of drying thermally sensitive materials such as food and pharmaceutical products.

The LPG Fired Spray Dryer is an innovative technology, that will encourage food processing businesses to market food products in powder form.  Best examples of these are carabao's milk and turmeric, two of the top commodities in the Eastern Visayas region.

The year 2022 was very promising to Gecar Machine Solutions, Inc.  The Visayas State University (VSU) also conducted business with Gecar for the purchase of food processing equipment. 

The VSU in Leyte also acquired the LPG Fired Spray Dryer and the Modular Water Retort. The Modular Water Retort, like the spray dryer, is less expensive and more convenient than the imported equipment available in the market. It works by sterilizing food products stored in glass, tin cans, and retortable pouches to extend food’s shelf life, reduce food waste, and enhance customer safety pouches to extend food’s shelf life, reduce food waste, and enhance customer safety.

(From top to bottom) Modular Water Retort and LPG Fired Spray Dryer Installed at the Visayas State University (VSU)

Following the footsteps of Gecar Machine Solutions Inc., Rampec Enterprises in Davao City also obtained a license for four food processing technologies from the DOST-MIRDC. These include the Vacuum Frying Machine, Modular Water Retort, Freeze Drying Machine, and LPG Fired Spray Dryer. These homegrown technologies are essential for the growth of local food manufacturers as the Davao region is known for its various agricultural products, including bananas, pineapple, coffee, and coconut.

Food processing is an attractive and marketable business, which becomes more attractive with the availability of food processing equipment.  Like Gecar, licensed fabricators of food processing equipment designed and developed by the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) are bound to see robust business.  

The DOST-MIRDC encourages equipment fabricators to expand product offerings and reach a bigger market by licensing locally developed technologies. The Spray Dryer and Modular Water Retort are just two of the several technologies available for adoption.

Stay informed about the technologies and services of the DOST-MIRDC. Visit the Center’s website www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph, and the DOST-MIRDC Facebook page (DOST MIRDC) for regular updates.

Revival of Metalcasting Industry in Region III pushed by DOST through the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center

 by: Ella Vanesa L. Lopez

Amidst the closing down of several foundry shops in the country, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) drives for the revival of the metalcasting industry.

The DOST - Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), in collaboration with the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the DOST Regional Offices, is currently implementing a project entitled “Establishment of Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) in CAR, Regions I, II, III, and X.” The MEIC project aims to strengthen the research and development outputs in the countryside by procuring industry-grade types of machinery and increasing the pool of experts in the field of metals and engineering through trainings, seminars, and workshops.

In its efforts to further capacitate the faculties and personnel of the MEIC host universities, the DOST-MIRDC partnered with private companies to provide them with an Industry Immersion Program. With the help of this program, faculty members will become more aware of the demands of the industry, have a deeper understanding of those demands, and be better able to apply what they learn to their work as instructors, researchers, and future consultants.

The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), Sumacab Campus, is located in Cabanatuan City and serves as the host institution for the MEIC in Region III. The NEUST-MEIC, whose focus is on metal casting, underwent a two-week immersion program on November 7–18, 2022. Three renowned foundries in Valenzuela—Acetech Metal Industries Corporation, Maysan Casting Corporation, and Ichivan Metal Casting—as well as Metals Engineering Resources Corporation (METERCOR), a well-known foundry in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, accommodated the NEUST participants.

Mark John M. dela Cruz and Jaymart O. Jose of NEUST undergo immersion inMark John M. dela Cruz and Jaymart O. Jose of NEUST undergo immersion inAcetech Metal Industries Corp.

The foundries introduced their unique techniques and best practices to the NEUST participants. Tried and tested for so many years by these foundry men, the participants were motivated to embrace, alter, and improve these learnings to fit into the current practices of the NEUST-MEIC. Other skills were also developed in the participants, such as core making, patternmaking, molding, and melting.

NEUST-MEIC participants’ learning about Floor Molding

The DOST-MIRDC is optimistic that this program will not only benefit the participants and their university but also the metalcasting industry in Region III by leveraging the knowledge and skills of our NEUST-MEIC researchers and consultants.