To promote innovation culture, to strengthen capacity and capability in the field of metalworking, and to enhance the competitive advantage of the metals and engineering (M&E) industries, the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 1 (DOST -1) and DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) once again partner with DMMMSU-Mid La Union Campus in the establishment of Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) Phase II in Region 1.
The MEIC has four-fold functions namely to support the metals and engineering research and development of the DOST which promotes creativity and innovation, to help in prototyping machineries, to support small scale production, and to serve as training ground for the state university students and metals and engineering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the locality.
For the 1st phase of the MEIC Project, the DMMMSU – Mid La Union Campus has put up a building worth P3.0 Million while DOST Regional Office I provided P1.0 Million worth of equipment from its Grants-in-Aid Program. Initially, the facility was equipped with a Digital Metal Hardness Testing, Digital Heat Treatment, and TIG and MIG Welding Machines. The facility was then inaugurated in April 2017 with the presence of DOST Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña.
Just recently, the project once again hit another milestone, as the groundbreaking ceremony of the 2nd phase of MEIC took place on June 10, 2021. The ceremony was attended in by Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., DMMMSU President, Dr. Victorio C. Palabay, Dean of College of Technology, and other DMMMSU officials, Regional Director Armando Q. Ganal and Assistant Regional Director for Field Operations Dr. Ismael D. Gurtiza of DOST – 1, and Cong. Pablo C. Ortega of the 1st District of La Union represented by Hon. Ramon Torres. Governor Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III also extended his deepest appreciation and excitement to this project through a video message. According to him, this project will surely contribute to the socio-economic development of the province.
The MEIC Phase II facility will house the following equipment and machineries: TIG Welding Machine – Inverter Type, Hydraulic Press Brake, Hydraulic Shearing Machine, Power Hacksaw, Electric Host (2T), Sheet Metal Roller, Portable Plasma Cutter with Air Compressor, Workstation with CAD/CAE software, and various electric hand tools. These pieces of equipment would enhance classroom and field-learning opportunities for students across the campus, encourage interdisciplinary scholarly research, publication, intellectual property and be a resource for the university as it evolves its role in innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, technology commercialization and regional technological and economic development.
The establishment of the 2nd phase of the MEIC Project will also serve as venues for the strong industry-academe collaboration in the conduct of research and development of new products to be offered in existing or new markets.
Photos & News Credits | DOST – 1