DOST-MIRDC Launches the Mold Technology Support Center to Strengthen the Country's Local Manufacturing Capabilities
By Kai H. Negado
The Philippines, with its aim to strengthen its manufacturing sector, partnered with the Republic of Korea through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) to establish the Mold Technology Support Center (MTSC). As the recipient of the ODA, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the DOST-MIRDC and in partnership with the Korea Association of Machiney Industry (KOAMI), developed the MTSC to address the need for acquiring equipment and developing our local expertise in the die and mold industry.
From left to right: Mr Reynaldo D. Lignes Acting Director, BOI; Atty. Norma B. Tañag Zone Administrator CEZ; Mr. Kapseok Yoon, Vice President, KOAMI; Mr. Cheon Kyo Park, Director General of KIAT; Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia, DOST; Mr. Ahn Eung Soo, Secretary, Embassy of Korea; Engr. Robert O. Dizon, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director; Mr. Jaime L. Diaz Vice President, PDMA, Inc., during the ribbon-cutting of the MTSC on November 10, 2022.
Over a hundred people were present during the ceremony held on November 10, 2022. Partners from Korea who provided the MTSC with the much-needed equipment were in attendance, along with DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia, local die and mold industry partners, and representatives from other government agencies who were part of the success of the establishment of the MTSC.
An official signing of the record of hand-over was also held during the event, which marks the beginning of the operation of the MTSC.
Mr. Cheon Kyo Park, Director General of KIAT and DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, Leah J. Buendia during the signing of the Record of Hand-over.
The MTSC houses equipment which directly addresses the needed services for mold-related projects, these include top-of-the-line mold technologies and the most modern software that is now readily available to be used by the local die and mold industry. The MTSC does not stop there, it also provides training programs focused on die and mold-related technologies which aim to increase the capabilities of Filipinos and provide the knowledge and skills needed to improve human resources.
From left to right: Mr. Park Sungbae, Manager KOAMI; Engr. Robert O. Dizon, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director; Mr. Kapseok Yoon, Vice President, KOAMI; Mr. Hyung-Kyoon Ahn, Center Head, KOAMI; Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig, DOST-MIRDC Deputy Executive Director and Project Leader of MTSC; Mr. Woojae Jeon, Manager, KOAMI; and Ms. Yeojin Yoon, Assistant Manager. KOAMI, join the launching of the MTSC on November 10, 2022.
During his opening remarks, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon thanked all the partners involved in the success of the project and congratulated their efforts in overcoming challenges especially those brought about by the pandemic, saying that because of their persistence, ‘the MTSC is now ready to operate to cater to the needs of the local die and mold industry.’
Undersecretary Buendia, who delivered the inspirational message on behalf of the DOST Secretary, stated that ‘the DOST is proud of what the MTSC project has already achieved,’ and that the Secretary is also confident that the center ‘will become one of the Department’s contributors in addressing the major challenges in the die and mold industry.’
Through the evident success of this ODA, the DOST-MIRDC envisions the MTSC as part of the DOST strategies of boosting the country’s local manufacturing capabilities through science, technology, and innovation.
