DOST-MIRDC’s BUHAWI is Proof of the Distinct Ingenuity and World-Class Talent of Filipinos, Says DND Top Executive
by Kai H. Negado
The DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) held the BUHAWI Stakeholders’ Dialogue on October 5, 2022, at the Acacia Hotel Manila. Attended by both the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) and the Department of National Defense’s (DND) top executives, Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. and Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino, Jr., this event saw the continued partnership between the two government agencies responsible for science, technology, and innovation, and human security and national defense.
Also present at the event were representatives from the country’s defense sector, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Air Force, along with partners from the industry.
Developed in partnership with the Philippine Navy’s Naval Research and Technology Development Center (NRTDC) and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (MRSP), the project entitled ‘Building a Universal Mount for Heavy-Barrel Automated Weapon Integration’ or BUHAWI resulted in a technology which performed better when compared to an Israeli-developed weapons technology – proving further that we can develop our own technologies which are much cheaper, will help generate jobs, boost the local economy, and lessen import dependency.
During his welcome remarks, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon reiterated the Center’s determination in taking the challenge of supporting the DND’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program very seriously, citing the recently approved R&D project ‘Controller Operated Battle-Ready Armament’ or COBRA, which is much like the BUHAWI but intended for use and adoption by the Philippine Army.
DOST Secretary Solidum emphasized in his speech that project BUHAWI is a successful program, and will be the trigger for future collaborations between DOST and DND as ‘the DOST believes and it shares the DND’s vision of a more self-reliant defense posture.’ With this project, the Secretary believes that building a self-reliant defense for the country is already well within our reach. Further pushing for the adoption of the BUHAWI technology, the DOST Secretary implored DND Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Faustino that the Philippine Navy adopt the BUHAWI, and for DND to approve the counterpart fund to further develop the technology to a land-based one through project COBRA.
Meanwhile, DND Undersecretary Faustino, upon taking the stage to deliver his speech, announced on the spot that the counterpart support is already approved while giving a thumbs-up – this garnered a round of applause from the audience. Undersecretary Faustino praised the DOST’s ability to always find ways, and stated that project BUHAWI is ‘proof of the Philippines’ distinct ingenuity and the world-class talent of Filipinos.’ He further stated that the DND is looking forward to the full implementation of BUHAWI into all of their compatible naval assets, throwing its full support behind the upcoming project COBRA and its unprecedented success.
Spirits were high during the event, with partners from the country’s defense forces presenting their agencies’ various technological requirements and processes addressed to both DOST and partners in the industry. The MRSP and Metalworking Industries Association of the Philippines (MIAP) also took to the stage to present the capabilities of the local manufacturing industry, followed by DOST-MIRDC’s Chief for Technical Advisory and Business Development Section, Ms. Girlie M. Millo, who discussed the BUHAWI’s technology transfer requirements and processes.
This dialogue was set to push for the adoption of the BUHAWI technology, and to provide a platform to discuss possible future collaborations between its stakeholders. In concluding the event, DOST-MIRDC Deputy Executive Director Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto and BUHAWI’s project leader, underscored the next step of the project which is the transfer of the BUHAWI technology to the Philippine Navy. The DOST, along with the DND, the Philippine Navy, and the MRSP are all excited to move forward and fulfill the vision of a truly patriotic and independent defense sector.
DOST-MIRDC, AMCen, And Leave A Nest Philippines Gather Partners To Support Growth Of Innovation Community
by Kai H. Negado
The Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen), the national technology hub for additive manufacturing located in the compound of the Department of Science and Technology – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) in Bicutan, Taguig City, engages in collaborative initiatives with both public and private institutions. One of the AMCen’s partners is Leave a Nest Philippines.
Leave a Nest has been involved in the country’s innovation community since 2017, by mainly serving as a tech business incubator for Philippine tech startups. With the company’s aim of “Advancing Science and Technology for Global Happiness,” this activity is a way to bridge the gap between scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs by accelerating businesses through S&T innovations.
The culminating activity hosted by Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc. for their counterparts from Japan who visited its partners here in the country, was held at DOST-MIRDC’s AMCen on 24 September 2022. The activity was attended by the Leave a Nest representatives from Japan and the Philippines, DOST-MIRDC personnel, and partners from the manufacturing sector.
Advancing innovation is the shared goal of all the participants in the event.
Dr. Yevgeny Aster T. Dulla, Representative Director of Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc. indicated the need for a specific form of science communication to connect various sectors in society to solve deep issues.
Dr. Takumi Jindo, Strategic Development Division of Leave a Nest, Co., Ltd., continues in this light by discussing the company’s successes in creating collaborative and sustainable ecosystems for the purpose of solving each other’s deep societal issues. He proceeded to introduce two (2) of their startup partners in Japan who have existing technologies and collaborations in the Philippines:
Mr. Tatsuya Kanbara, Managing Department of Melody International presented the wearable fetal monitor iCTG, which was invented to provide safe and secure childbirth to mothers all over the world. The fetal monitor is a small, wireless, waterproof, and smart device which uploads data to the company’s cloud center – the world’s first digital fetal data. Collaboration with the Philippine General Hospital and St. Luke’s Medical Center is already underway.
Mr. Yasuki Kanazawa, CEO and President of Naturanix Co. Ltd., developed a technology to establish ultra-fast charging stations and electric mobility. The ultra-fast charging stations have shortened charging times from at least 30 minutes to three minutes for the e-bikes and 15 minutes for the “all GaN” e-vehicles. They are currently partnering with Cebu-based company SKYGO.
Lastly, Engr. Fred Liza, Chief of the DOST-MIRDC Materials and Process Research Division, in his presentation, assured the attendees that the DOST-MIRDC, especially the AMCen. is capacitated to support our manufacturing sector by citing existing programs and projects that contribute to telemedicine, transport, defense and security, and agro-industrial machinery. Engr. Liza also highlighted AMCen’s support to the academe and local startups, and the establishment of Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEICs) in all 17 regions in the country.
All in all, much like Leave a Nest’s core mission, this culminating activity provided an avenue for DOST-MIRDC and the AMCen to nurture its existing partnerships and create new linkages among local and foreign companies to sustain, enrich, and drive the innovative culture forward and translate innovation-related initiatives to optimized socio-economic benefits.
DOST Sec. Solidum to OFW partners: iFWDPh “An Official Start Towards a Better Endeavor”
By: Kathlyn Kai H. Negado
photo courtesy of DOST-NCR iFWDPH program staff
The DOST-MIRDC joins the DOST-NCR and its partners on its Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWDPH) Concluding Ceremony for Batch 2020, 2021, and 2022 held on 1 September 2022 at the Novotel Manila, Cubao, Quezon City.
This program is a testament to the DOST’s commitment to providing scientific, technological, and innovative solutions by helping our OFWs and their families to establish technology-based enterprises. Some of the highlights of the event are the messages from iFWDPH OFW partner-beneficiaries:
photo courtesy of DOST-NCR iFWDPH program staff
“..because of iFWDPH, we are already equipped with the most important things in achieving our dreams” - Mr. Ruel Bermudez, CEO of Bermudez Software Labs (iFWDPH Batch 2020)
photo courtesy of DOST-NCR iFWDPH program staff
“Hindi ko po alam kung ano ang mai-aambag ko dito sa programang ito. Sa nakakayanan ko, magkukusa po ako at tutulong.” - Mr. Alfredo Silvestre, Owner of A. Silvestre Electrical and Mechanical Services (iFWDPH Batch 2021)
photo courtesy of DOST-NCR iFWDPH program staff
“Together with DOST iFWDPH program, sama-sama nating lakbayin ang panibagong yugto ng ating buhay bilang mga entrepreneurs.” - Ms. Chiddy Mugar, Owner of CLB Consumer Goods (iFPWDPH Batch 2022)
Congratulations iFWDPH Batches 2020, 2021, and 2022 Graduates!
#OneDOST4u
#DOST
#DOSTPH
#DOSTNCRUpdates
#DOSTNewsByte
#iFWDPH
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DOST-MIRDC Showcases New Facilities to Promote Smart Manufacturing
By: Jim Patrick S.D. Erispe
Ever heard of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) and the Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL)?
These two facilities are both under the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and presently contribute to the enhancement of the skills, productivity, and competitiveness of the human resources specifically of the local metals, engineering, and allied industries.
The AMCen and the AMERIAL were both featured in the webinar entitled ‘Smart Manufacturing Solutions for MSMEs’ held on September 20, 2022. The webinar is part of the ongoing celebration of the DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region’s (DOST-CAR) National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).
Engr. Franz Joseph D. Libao of DOST-MIRDC presented the AMERIAL facility. AMERIAL is a technology hub that promotes the use of Industry 4.0 technologies such as mechatronics, robotics, and industrial automation to allow MSMEs to cope with the competition among local and global businesses. AMERIAL offers services, mainly research and development, training, and consultancy to MSMEs. In addition to reiterating the various benefits that MSMEs can gain from availing of AMERIAL services, Engr. Libao also shared the various technical, financial, competency, and socio-cultural challenges that hinder businesses from adopting new technologies.
Engr. Denise Daryl A. Florante spoke about additive manufacturing (AM). He emphasized that the AMCen is geared to be the Philippines’ national hub for additive manufacturing/3D printing, constantly improving capabilities in the AM materials development and prototyping, and fostering effective collaborations among industry, government, and the academe. During his talk, Engr. Florante also gave the participants a virtual tour of the AMCen for better understanding of what this national hub for additive manufacturing has to offer.
"It feels good to be able to celebrate the NSTW again this year. This year's NSTW will allow us to showcase MIRDC's capabilities, particularly the AMCen's. We hope that the participants recognize the government's efforts not only for this generation but also for future generations,” says Engr. Florante.
In addition to the AMCen and the AMERIAL, the DOST-MIRDC is also showcasing its R&D outputs in the DOST-CAR’s NSTW. The DOST-MIRDC’s exhibit booth features various food processing equipment, the Automated Guideway Transit, and other services that cater to the requirements of local industries.
MIRDC showcases the food processing equipment, AGT, and 3D printer at the 2022 National Science and Technology Week in CAR.
MSMEs, teachers and students, and budding entrepreneurs were encouraged to visit the DOST-MIRDC booth at the NSTW event at the gymnasium of Benguet State University. Visiting the DOST-MIRDC booth provided an advantage as various opportunities to learn about smart manufacturing and the adoption of locally-developed technologies were gained.
