Emotions Run High as Student Researchers are Awarded the Best Paper During the 4th National Metals and Engineering Conference (NMEC)
by Kai H. Negado
With tears in her eyes, student researcher and principal author Lady Ann C. Razonales, of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo (PLSP), accepted the award on stage for their research titled “Agrospraytech: Hybrid System-Based Automated Fertilizer Application Device for Mamay Tobal’s Farmers Association in Barangay San Cristobal, City of San Pablo.”
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Awarded as Best Paper out of the 86 submitted for the 4th National Metals and Engineering Conference (NMEC), their research team addresses persistent challenges in manual eggplant farming in their local community, such as uneven nutrient distribution, high labor requirements, and potential health risks for farmers. |
The Best Paper awardees, accompanied by Engr. Estelita Cura, Dean of the PLSP College of Engineering, with DOST-MIRDC’s top management during the 4th NMEC on June 16, 2025, at the Acacia Hotel Manila.
Under the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning category of the NMEC, the prototype developed is an automated fertilizer application device that utilizes a solar panel for renewable energy, a remote control system for easy operation, and manual override. The team’s innovation not only enhances agricultural productivity but also integrates sustainable energy and accessible technology to empower farmers.
Their work embodies the theme of this year’s NMEC, “Metals and Engineering in Industry 4.0: Reaching Milestones in Digital Transformation,” proving that advanced technology can be community-driven and locally grounded. It also reflects the critical role of student research in shaping inclusive and scalable solutions for rural development.
DOST-MIRDC and its partners encourage academic institutions, LGUs, and industry players to support more community-based engineering projects. Together, let us nurture student research and innovation that not only addresses real-world problems but also uplifts the communities we serve.
To learn more about our M&E Week activities, visit the official event website https://metalsweek.dost.gov.ph/ and follow us on https://www.facebook.com/dostmirdc/.
R&D at the Forefront of Industry 4.0: Highlights from the 4th National Metals and Engineering Conference (NMEC)
by Kai H. Negado
“The answer lies in what you, as researchers, do every day—developing knowledge, designing solutions, and forging the path ahead through innovation,” was what DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia emphasized in her keynote message during the 4th NMEC held on June 16, 2025.
Usec. Buendia underscored the vital role of research and development in building a resilient and future-ready Philippine industry. It sets the tone for the entire conference, reinforcing that R&D is not merely an academic endeavor but a powerful engine of national progress—especially in the era of Industry 4.0.
The 4th NMEC highlighted an eye-opening reality for our local industries, academic institutions, thought leaders, and researchers: Industry 4.0 is not just a concept of the near future, but it is already here, affecting our everyday lives — from our smartphones to our shop floors.
Featured during the NMEC were various thought leaders from the government, academe, and private sector who harness Industry 4.0 technologies through their research and development initiatives for real-world application.
The NMEC featured a lineup of experts and innovators in Industry 4.0, namely:
- Dr. Albert J. Causo, CEO of Hand Plus Robotics and DOST Balik Scientist, who demonstrated how collaborative robotics is transforming industrial automation;
- Engr. Ralph Paul T. Dominguez, Regional Sales Head of ASEAN ITRS, on how to leverage big data and cloud for the metals and engineering in the country;
- Dr. Philip P. Ermita, Director of DOST-PUP PYLON TBI, shared insights on the critical role of technology business incubators in nurturing tech-driven startups;
- Engr. Gerald Reymari A. Cagayan of Techsource Computing Solutions Inc., who explored AI integration in industrial process control; and
- Engr. Rodnel O. Tamayo on DOST projects BUHAWI and COBRA, remote-controlled weapons systems developed locally in support of the government’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program.
Another highlight was the Metals Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) Batch 2 Journey by Dr. Pearl Aphrodite B. Carnice, on the R&D outputs and the impact of the services conducted by the MEICs in their communities, and a talk by Dr. Sheryl Lyn Monterola (UP NISMED) on mainstreaming additive manufacturing in basic education—an example of how Industry 4.0 can influence not only industries but education systems as well.
Panel of guest speakers who are innovators in Industry 4.0 during the 4th NMEC Q&A (from L to R: Dr. Causo, Dr. Monterola, Engr. Dominguez, Engr. Cagayan, Dr. Ermita, and Engr. Tamayo)
One of the key themes echoed throughout the event was the importance of building a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem for innovation. This includes empowering MSMEs with access to new technologies, investing in upskilling the workforce, and strengthening partnerships with research institutions.
The 4th NMEC underscored a central truth: R&D is not merely a support mechanism — it is the spearhead of innovation. Through conferences like NMEC, DOST-MIRDC continues to catalyze collaboration among government, industry, and academia, building a future-ready, digitally empowered Philippines.
Led by this year’s M&E Week Committee Chair, Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto, Deputy Executive Director for Technical Services of DOST-MIRDC, the conference seamlessly brought together stakeholders from the academe to champion the role of science, technology, and innovation in navigating the rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
Join us for the next highlight of the M&E Week 2025 celebration—the Metals and Engineering Industry Forum happening on June 20, 2025 (Friday), once again at the Acacia Hotel Manila. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and innovators as we chart the course toward a smarter, more resilient Philippines.
To learn more about our M&E Week activities, visit the official event website https://metalsweek.dost.gov.ph/ and follow us on https://www.facebook.com/dostmirdc/
DOST Takes the Lead in Molding a Technology-Driven PH through Research and Development Programs
By: Zalda R. Gayahan
‘Transformative’ is how the Department of Science and Technology Secretary, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., describes the DOST’s lineup of research and development programs during the ELEV8Ph event held at the Dusit Thani Manila on February 5, 2025.
‘With collaboration as our cornerstone, let us embark on decisive steps toward a progressive nation we all yearn for,’ said Secretary Solidum as he encouraged the audience, composed of industry players, government officials, foreign partners, researchers from universities and private sector, and media, to take active involvement in the big-ticket R&D programs of the Department.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. (center), joined by DOST's research and development institute heads, during the ELEV8Ph on February 5, 2025, at Dusit Thani Hotel Manila.
- AI virtual hubs
- Quantum technology
- Geospatial analysis
- Industry 4.0
- ircular economy
- Smart agriculture
- Smart technologies
- Biologic in pharmaceuticals
Director Dizon (second from left) joins the panel discussion and responds to questions asked by DOST Secretary Solidum
Not only that. There will be opportunities for networking and collaboration among clients of the hub. R&D, consultancy and skills sharing, and supplier-client engagement are services that will also be available at the hub.
Aside from the establishment of the hub in year 1, there will also be pilot demonstrations to be conducted in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao until Year 3.
The CUATRO Program, through the smart manufacturing hub and the pilot demonstrations in every region across the country, will be a very significant contributor to the transformation envisioned by DOST Sec. Solidum.
‘Industry 4.0 has already changed industries worldwide,’ shared Director Dizon. ‘We have to act now, or else we will be left behind,’ he said as he posed the challenge to all stakeholders.
As he introduced the CUATRO Program, he encouraged all participants to embrace Industry 4.0 and ‘take advantage of all opportunities in store for us in our journey toward digital transformation.’
MIRDC’s Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing Technology Helps Assure Safety of Structures Such as Bridges, Buildings, and Railroads
The safety and integrity of materials or components of structures and facilities that people use daily need to be evaluated. Bars and beams that are used in the foundations of large structures such as bridges and buildings, massive nuts and bolts used in construction, welds and metal sheets of ships and other forms of transportation, gas tanks that are used in homes and powerplants, and most metal surfaces and welds, are just some of the examples of materials and structures whose integrity and safety are regularly checked. If there are no defects, then they are safe for the public.
The evaluation uses technologies such as phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT).
The PAUT, similar to conventional ultrasonic testing (UT), scans surfaces and welds of materials to be tested for potential defects that cannot usually be seen by the naked eye. Compared to the conventional UT, the PAUT scans complex and multiple angles with its probes and provides accurate results regarding the depth and height of defects detected. These results include data images that display the top view, side view, and end view interpretation of the scan, which the conventional UT cannot provide.
MIRDC’s conventional and phased array ultrasonic testing devices
PAUT showing image interpretations of the scanned areas
PAUT is one of the nondestructive testing (NDT) services we offer at DOST-MIRDC.
The most recent clients of the MIRDC’s PAUT services are Collins Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem. Collins Aerospace commissioned the MIRDC to test rivets that they use for their products, while Hyundai Rotem needed to have the quality of their railroad tracks certified since they supply the tracks used in the development of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) project.
Engr. James Asher Cabarloc of MIRDC’s NDT laboratory performing ultrasonic testing on batch samples of railroad tracks provided by the client Hyundai Rotem
Everyone’s safety is a top priority.
Do you need to have some NDT done? We can assist you.
MIRDC Analysis and Testing Division: 8837-0431 to 38.Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dr. Jayson P. Rogelio of the DOST-MIRDC Elevated to Scientist II Rank in the Scientific Career System
By Kai H. Negado
In a testament to his dedication and contributions to the field of science and technology, Dr. Jayson P. Rogelio, Supervising Science Research Specialist at the Department of Science and Technology - Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), has been conferred the rank of Scientist II in the Scientific Career System. This milestone underscores his achievements in advancing research and innovation within the metals, engineering, and allied industries.
Dr. Rogelio’s journey in the scientific community has been marked by his commitment to addressing industry challenges and fostering technological advancements. Over the years, his research has focused on enhancing the capabilities of various local industries. His notable projects have centered on bridging the academe and industry, highlighting the importance of collaboration in accelerating Industry 4.0 adoption; projects such as:
- Development of a 3-axis CNC Router Machines or “Super Lilok” Machines
- Kabut-i: Intelligent Mushroom House for Ganoderma Mushroom Production
- Design and Development of a Local Microwave Vacuum Dryer
- Design and Development of CNC LASER Machine
Dr. Rogelio’s contributions extend to academic literature, with several published research papers in international publications, including:
- Finite Element Analysis and Modeling of a Hydraulic Wire Mesh Rounder and Efficacy of I-Beam Reinforcement in Wire Mesh Mold Beds. (2023)
- Characterization of Pili Nut Shell (Canarium ovatum Engl.) as Potential Additive in 3D Printing Filaments. (2023)
- Utilizing Simulation-Driven Finite Element Analysis for Optimal Propeller Design of a 1kW Pico-Hydroelectric Turbine. (2023)
- Design and Development of Deployable Food Hub with Static Analysis of a Trailer Chassis Using Finite Element Analysis. (2022)
- Pico-Hydro Turbine and Pump for Small Scale Agricultural Electrification and Irrigation: A Review of Similar Ventures. (2022)
- Object Detection and Segmentation Using Deeplabv3 Deep Neural Network for a Portable X-ray Source Model. (2022)
- Modal Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Harmonic Response Analysis of a 3D Printed X-ray Film Handler for Assistant Robotic System using Finite Element Method. (2020)
The conferment of the Scientist II rank is part of the Scientific Career System, a program jointly administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) to recognize and promote scientific excellence. This recognition places Dr. Rogelio among the country’s esteemed scientists, affirming his role as a contributor to national development through science and technology.
Dr. Jayson P. Rogelio (middle) and team at DOST-MIRDC’s Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics and Industrial Automation Laboratory (AMERIAL).
Dr. Rogelio’s elevation to Scientist II reflects the growing importance of scientific research in driving innovation and industrial competitiveness in the Philippines. When asked for a message, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon commented, “We hope to inspire more of our personnel to engage in impactful R&D endeavors—not merely in pursuit of scientific recognition, but to create meaningful contributions that benefit our industries and uplift the communities we serve.”
At DOST-MIRDC, we firmly believe that innovation driven by research and development is key to advancing the country toward industrial competitiveness and a sustainable future. With this vision, we remain optimistic about the accomplishments the Center’s dedicated personnel will achieve in the years to come.
