DOST-MIRDC honors the local metals, engineering, and allied industries during its M&E Industry Forum 2023
by: Ella Vanesa Lopez
“Now more than ever our country needs excellence in science, technology, and innovation in support of the birth, growth, and development of competitive industries.”
This is what Mr. Benjamin O. Yao, Chairman and CEO of Steel Asia Mfg. Corp. pointed out in his inspirational message. Mr. Yao underscored the importance of the relationship between the advancement of science and technology and the growth of the private sector in order to stimulate progress in our economy. He delivered his inspirational message during the Metals and Engineering (M&E) Industry Forum held by the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) in celebration of M&E Week 2023 on 20 June 2023 at the Titanium Auditorium, DOST-MIRDC, Bicutan, Taguig City.
Attendees of the M&E Industry Forum
The event highlighted the important role that M&E and its allied industries play in fostering innovation and sustainability in the country. Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto, DOST-MIRDC’s Deputy Executive Director for Technical Services and this year’s M&E chair, reiterated that the M&E industries are one of the key players in advancing our economy through technological advancements.
MIRDC's Executive Director, Engr. Robert O. Dizon reported on the current state of the Center and its plans for the future. Following the DOST’s 11-point agenda, significant R&D projects in the fields of agro-industrial, transportation, medical, and defense and security were highlighted by Dir. Dizon. He also presented the ongoing major projects, as well as the future plans of the Center to remain steadfast in its mission to serve the M&E industry.
DOST-MIRDC Awards the Prestigious Legacy Trophy to the Man who Champions the field of Mechatronics in the Philippines
Engr. Gamaliel F. Itao, President and General Manager of Industrial Controls Corporation (ICC), is this year’s Legacy Trophy awardee. Engr. Itao continues to make a lasting contribution to the industry, especially in the development and training of highly skilled automation engineers. Engr. Itao is an advocate of embracing new technologies and maintaining an open mind toward innovation – that technological advancements can be achieved through continuous training and upskilling.
“Looking back at my career, I see a journey full of challenges- both exciting and daunting simultaneously. We faced numerous hurdles, but we persevered. But we also saw vast opportunities to exploit. And the outcomes are remarkable,” Engr. Itao said in his message.
Engr. Gamaliel Itao (third from left), MIRDC’s Legacy Trophy awardee, with DOST-MIRDC top management and Governing Council members.
A portion of the program was also dedicated to the industry reports of the top key officials of different M&E industry associations: Mr. John T. Lee, Chairman of the AIAP; Mr. Virgilio F. Lanzuela, National President of the Metalworking Industries Association of the Philippines (MIAP); Engr. Nastaran Reza Nazar Zadeh, National President of the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines, Inc. (MRSP); Mr. George Ong, President of the Philippine Die and Mold Association, Inc. (PDMA, Inc.); and Engr. Isidro D. Millo, interim President of the Philippine Welding Society (PWS).
“...there are no more reasons to keep having doubts in your minds; the only way to move forward is to innovate and be more resilient,” said Mr. Lee during his presentation on how the AIAP can provide support to the innovativeness and sustainability in the country.
Industry association top officials together with the DOST-MIRDC top management
From L to R: Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto (MIRDC), Engr. Isidro D. Millo (PWS), Mr. George Ong (PDMA), Engr. Nastaran Reza Nazar Zadeh (MRSP), Mr. Virgillo F. Lanzuela (MIAP), Mr. John T. Lee (AIAP), Engr. Robert O. Dizon (MIRDC), and Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig (MIRDC)
Metals and Engineering for the People
The presentations during the M&E Week Industry Forum underlined that initiatives of the industry associations and the Center are geared toward providing a positive impact to the people.
PDMA proudly shared its partnership with various schools and universities in order to bridge the gap between academe and industry. “...we partner with schools as we want to transfer technologies, we want to help the people, especially on both the TechVoc programs and K–12 programs,” Mr. Ong said.
“...MRSP is actively acting as a bridge between academe and industry,” shares Engr. Zadeh of MRSP. “What we have done and have been continuously doing is identifying competencies in industry and trying to apply that in curriculum development.”
This was supported by Mr. Lanzuela, as MIAP also helps out the academe by reviewing the curriculum against the requirements of the industry.
Meanwhile, the Center continues to engage in research and development (R&D). Executive Director Dizon highlighted DOST-MIRDC’s Automatic Trash Rake (ATR) and the ongoing project “Floating Solid Waste Collector System,” as the Center’s contribution to solving the solid waste problem in the country. “...we have technology packages ready for commercialization; we just need support in transferring these to the private sector,” emphasized Director Dizon.
The Industry Forum is one of the main events in celebration of M&E Week 2023. It provided the participants an opportunity to explore the metals, engineering, and allied industries through different lenses, most especially their crucial role in achieving innovation and sustainability. The event was attended by DOST officials, various industry associations, academe, and other government officials.
Be updated on DOST-MIRDC activities by following DOST-MIRDC’s Facebook page. For further details, you may also visit the event website at https://metalsweek.dost.gov.ph/.
