• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The inauguration of the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) at the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUP), Talisay City is a testament to the unwavering support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in strengthening research and development ecosystems across the country, particularly at TUP Visayas, Reynaldo Ramos, TUP president, said at the launching ceremony yesterday.
The state-of-the-art facility will provide advanced equipment, technical expertise, and collaborative opportunities to bolster the metals and engineering industries in the region.
This partnership with DOST- Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) is more than just the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility—”It is a declaration of our commitment to innovation, excellence, and sustainable progress. The MEIC represents a vital investment in the future of the metals and engineering industries, equipping our region with cutting-edge technology, expert knowledge, and collaborative opportunities that will drive economic growth and industrial competitiveness,” Ramos said at the inauguration which also featured the unveiling of the MEIC marker and the blessing of the facility.
The MEIC will serve as a catalyst for transformative change—fostering the spirit of discovery among our students, empowering our faculty with the tools for groundbreaking research, and equipping our industries with the innovations needed to thrive in an ever-evolving global market. This facility is not just for today; it is an investment in the generations to come, in the engineers and scientists who will lead the Philippines toward a future of sustainable growth and technological leadership, he added.
DOST VISION
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said “This is the vision that drives us at the Department of Science and Technology: to build a network of facilities that empower every region to fully leverage its potential. Our aim is to create opportunities for every Filipino, regardless of background or location, to thrive in and contribute to a dynamic metals and engineering sector. Through the MEIC, we foster an environment where innovation and practical solutions can bring real and meaningful change to communities.”
The MEIC enhances not only TUP Visayas’ research and development (R&D) capabilities but also supports other state universities (SU’s) and colleges in the region. Its advanced facilities will bolster prototyping, encourage R&D activities, and facilitate access to funding. More importantly, this center bridges the gap between research and application, empowering innovators to create solutions for real-world challenges while driving economic growth, he said.
But this is not our first collaboration with TUP Visayas. Through the DOSTTUPV HIVE, we established Negros Occidental’s only Technology Business Incubator (TBI) with a P10 million grant, helping produce startups that have introduced significant innovations for the country. Additionally, the ReSEED grant of P1.9 million to develop the startup ecosystem in Negros Occidental, Solidum said.
These initiatives align with our national efforts to industrialize and strengthen local manufacturing industries. Just yesterday, they launched Elev8PH, a suite of eight big-ticket R&D programs, including Industry 4.0, to elevate the Philippines through Science, Technology, and Innovation, he said.
This push for innovation is already making an impact, as reflected in the Philippines’ 2024 Global Innovation Index rankings. We have climbed to 53rd globally and achieved: 3rd place among 38 lower-middle-income economies; 1st globally in high-tech exports as a percentage of trade; and 14th and 19th in creative goods and ICT service exports, respectively, Solidum said.
“However, while these accomplishments highlight our progress, the concentration of R&D activities in urban centers reminds us of the need for inclusivity. Centers like the MEIC decentralize resources, allowing regions and provinces like Negros Occidental to play a critical role in building a more equitable innovation ecosystem,” he said.
This center is part of our commitment to decentralize resources and create regional hubs of innovation, where local researchers, students, and entrepreneurs can learn, innovate, and develop their skills right in their own community. By providing access to the necessary training, technologies, and expertise, we are ensuring that the opportunities brought by science and technology are within everyone’s reach, he added.*
