"Molding the Future of Metal Industries"
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On the day of the Lantern Parade at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) Project Management Engineering and Design Service Office (PMEDSO), in collaboration with the UPD, held the first ever demonstration of the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) System to the public. The demo likewise served as simulation of the use of the AGT ticketing system. It was also the same day that the Road Train, another project spearheaded by the MIRDC under the Advanced Transport Program of the DOST, was launched. |
Sec. Montejo leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The AGT's ticketing system undergoes simulation during the demo run.
UPD Chancellor Caesar Saloma taps the card to gain entrance through the turnstyle.
Joining Sec. Montejo, Asec. Dizon and Chancellor Saloma
AGT were representatives from MIRDC’s industry partners, the academe, and other DOST offices. The ride from station 1 (along C.P. Garcia, near Fine Arts Building) to station 2, which is located along the University Avenue, took approximately one and a half minutes. It was a perfect opportunity to present to the guests that the locally-designed and developed mass transit system is rolling – the realization of a safe and clean mass transport alternative.
The passengers alighted from the AGT at station 2 where the Road Train was waiting to pick them up along University Avenue. The Road Train was also presented to the public, and selected personalities were allowed to board. At this point of its development, it can only accommodate a few seated passengers. It was showcased along with the Public Demo of the AGT so as to let everyone know how the AGT and the Road Train can possibly connect and be of great use for the commuting public. The Road Train is a centrally-powered prototype of hybrid electric road train designed for public transport. It is one of the newest additions to the DOST-MIRDC’s proud R&D outputs. Its development using locally available technology is geared towards addressing pressing national challenges on urban transport. The Road Train travelled the short distance from the AGT’s station 2 toward Quezon Hall. Upon reaching their destination, the passengers were greeted by UP President Alfredo E. Pascual. The DOST-MIRDC is very grateful to the entire UPD officials and staff for the accommodation and support they continually give. Very soon, the two projects will reach completion and the UPD is a big part of the upcoming success.
The AGT (left) and the Road Train (right) are part of the DOST-MIRDC’s Advanced Transport Program that will help solve traffic problems in key cities of the country.
"Molding the Future of Metal Industries"
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The Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) is still accepting applicants for the Training Program on CNC Machine Tool Programming and Operations. The training program is the parallel move of the Department of Science and Technology to the Memorandum Circular No. 02, Series of 2012, issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) declaring the CNC machinist skill as a mission critical skill (MCS). With this initiative, the brain drain of CNC skilled workers will be addressed. The current brain drain is a result of CNC machinists, programmers, and operators leaving the country for work abroad. The DOST, through the MIRDC, launched and implemented the project entitled, “Human Resource Intervention for Sustainable Growth and Competitiveness of the Metals and Engineering Sector: Development and Implementation of Appropriate Training Curriculum Design for CNC Machine Tool Programming and Operations.” The project aims to produce 800 trainee-graduates who will fill up the industry’s need for skilled CNC workers. Upon its implementation in late 2012, the CNC Training Program has been conducted in various selected regions of the country. The project’s progress is summarized in the lists below. a. List of graduates and on-going batches (20 pax per batch) in different regions
b. List of Partner Support Organizations (PSOs) 1. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Training Centers o CAR (Baguio) 2. Western Visayas College of Science and Technology c. List of Sponsoring Firms (Industry Immersion) 1. Parts Phils. The training program will run until December 2014. The MIRDC is accepting applicants for training to fill in the needed number of graduates as an answer to the M&E industries’ workforce requirements. - High School graduates with machining course from TESDA or TESDA-accredited training institutions; Training is free for unemployed participants. A daily stipend of P300.00 will be provided to unemployed trainees for the entire duration of the CNC Training Program. |
"Molding the Future of Metal Industries"
"Molding the Future of Metal Industries"
The hybrid electric road train (ERT) project of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will start roadworthiness tests in Clark Field in Pampanga next month.
Officials said the tests would determine if the ERT would be a viable transport alternative before it is rolled out in Metro Manila’s major roadways.
Designed by Filipino engineers and made with locally available parts, the 40-meter long train-like bus is an alternative means of transportation and is being touted by the DOST as a possible answer to the mass transportation problem that is reaching crisis levels, especially in Metro Manila.
DOST Secretary Mario Montejo estimated the road train can serve 650,000 commuters when fully implemented.
Montejo, however, said the ERT may have to go through a long and tedious process of testing through a period of two to three years before it can be declared safe for the riding public.
ERT project leader Rio Pagtalunan, however, said the roadworthiness test phase will not last long, especially if no major design changes are found to be necessary.
The ERT can run with a maximum speed of 50 kph. It is mainly powered by hybrid diesel fuel and electric-powered battery.
Moreover, the train is designed to be energy-efficient, which means it does not need electricity and suspended cables to operate.
“This newest Filipino innovation also produces less smoke emission compared with existing mass transport vehicles, making it an eco-friendly mode of transport,” the DOST said.
Aside from the ERT project, the DOST is also pursuing an ambitious project to develop an Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) system inside the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City and inside their central office complex in Bicutan, Taguig City.
The AGT adopts a radial wheel tire technology for a rail line system.
"Molding the Future of Metal Industries"
