GOVPH

More Engagements with the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry Provide the DOST with More Opportunities to Determine Appropriate Science, Technology, and Innovation Interventions

 By: Zalda R. Gayahan

 ‘Everything is about timetable,’ was the sentiment shared by Mr. Daniel L. Bautista, President of Northbay Construction Services Corporation, during a consultative meeting with players of the local shipbuilding and ship repair industry (SBSR) in Navotas.

Participants, along with the industry study team of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), staff from the MARINA and DOST-National Capital Region, during the consultative meeting with the shipbuilding and ship repair industry held in Navotas on June 15, 2023.

The consultative meeting was held on June 15, 2023.  The meeting is part of the industry study being conducted by the Department of Science and Technology – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC).  Through the study, the Center aims to present an overview and assessment of the local SBSR industry and determine the most appropriate science, technology, and innovation-based interventions.

‘Gusto namin malaman kung ano ang pangangailangan ng industriya – kaya po kami naririto,’ explains Ms. Lina B. Afable, Chief of the DOST-MIRDC’s Technology Diffusion Division, when she discussed with the participants the purpose of the industry study team’s visit to Navotas.

Ms. Lina B. Afable explains to the consultative meeting participants the purpose of the activity.

According to the 2021 data from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), there is a total of 35 shipyards in the National Capital Region (NCR): five are Class B, and 30 are Class C.  The meeting was a gathering of shipyards in Navotas to discuss strengths and challenges.

A typical business day for a shipyard in Navotas.

In Mr.  Bautista’s statement about timetables, he referred to the sad reality that all steel materials that shipyards use are imported.  While local shipbuilders can deliver in six months, China delivers in three months.  Before the shipyard can even secure a job order, the client has already decided to deal with a shipyard in China.  A lost opportunity. 

The industry study team raised the issue of the local SBSR industry being weak in terms of ship design skills, which was an issue mentioned by other shipyards in Cebu and Zamboanga.  Navotas shipyards had a different insight about this.

Mr. Arturo Balahadia (standing second from left); Mr. Daniel Bautista (standing fourth from right)

The participants revealed that Korea is another competitor in the business.  According to the shipyard officials, there is very little market.  Private companies go to Korea for their shipbuilding and ship repair requirements.  ‘Karamihan sa mga shipyards, hindi nag-iinvest sa software at hardware kasi hindi developed ang market,’ remarked Mr. Arturo Balahadia, Vice President, Josefa Slipways, Inc.  ‘Madaling bumili ng software.  Saan mo gagamitin kung walang oorder sa yo?’ he continues.  Industry players do not engage in the necessary investments.  This is a cause for more lost opportunities.

The challenges the SBSR industry players do not end there. 

The participants were one in saying that naval architects are going out of the country.  They also brought out the fact that universities offering naval architecture courses do not use advanced naval architecture software.  To this end, the shipyards suggested to the industry study team to encourage the universities to use modern software to develop the skills the industry needs.   When the academe starts producing people skilled in naval architecture, SBSR companies will then be encouraged to invest in software and hardware.

Another issue raised during the meeting is about the monopoly in the supplies of engines and spare parts.  With this, the local industry cannot compete with counterpart SBSR industry players from countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. 

Clearly, the country needs to create an enabling environment for the local SBSR industry.  Being the fourth top country in terms of shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities, the industry holds a huge potential in boosting the Philippine economy. 

To address the issues raised by the shipyards, it appears that interventions are needed in the following areas: establishment of a testing center, particularly non-destructive testing (NDT); assistance in securing the necessary certifications; making appropriate tax incentives available; raising awareness on market potential; and training. 

The consultative meeting with Navotas shipyards put forward some new concerns that need to be addressed.  The DOST-MIRDC’s engagement with the SBSR industry continues as the industry study team prepares to conduct site visits and another consultative meeting with shipyards in Regions IVA, III, VI, and XII in the month of July. 

The DOST-MIRDC is in close coordination with the MARINA and DOST Regional Offices for this initiative.

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/.

Research on Sandpaper Leaf or “As-is” Awarded as Best Paper During the 2^nd National Metals and Engineering Conference

 by Kai H. Negado

 The Metals and Engineering (M&E) Week 2023 celebration of the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) recently concluded with the 2^nd National Metals and Engineering Conference (NMEC) on 22 June 2023 at the Acacia Hotel Manila, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The research paper, penned by Ainne Marie A Mercado as the principal author, Harley Ned S. Aquino, Tiffany Mae C. Nuelan, Jannah P. Regencia, and Dr. Sicily B. Tiu as co-authors, from Batangas State University The National Engineering University focuses on the use of sandpaper leaf extract, commonly known as “As-is” as a green corrosion inhibitor – corrosion inhibitors which are biodegradable, do not contain heavy metals, or other toxic compounds.

The 2^nd NMEC Best Paper awardees with DOST-MIRDC top management and the M&E Week 2023 technical committee

Entitled “Sandpaper Leaf (Ficus fiskei Elm.) Extract as Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in Saline Environment,” the research revealed that ethanolic extracts of Sandpaper leaf plant contain natural corrosion inhibitive compounds. In addition to being environmentally friendly and ecologically acceptable, plant products such as Sandpaper leaf extracts are inexpensive, readily available, and renewable.

This research paper, along with the 30 papers submitted for inclusion in the NMEC proceedings is aligned with the M&E Week 2023 theme “Metals and Engineering Industry: Propelling the Economy Toward Innovativeness and Sustainability.” The research awarded the Best Paper, classified under the materials engineering and additive manufacturing category, got the highest rating with criteria on innovation, originality, technical merit, presentation, and relevance to conference topics.

Ainne Marie A. Mercado, principal author of the research awarded the Best Paper was pleasantly surprised with the outcome, stating that “This award is very unexpected, not just for me but the entire team. We can’t express in words the excitement and happiness that we felt when we heard the title of our study being awarded as the Best Paper for NMEC 2023, because our paper is the fruit of more than a year of our group’s hardship and perseverance.”

The NMEC provides a platform for researchers, scientists, and engineers from government institutes and academe to present and discuss recent developments and progress made in the metals, engineering, and allied industries. The Conference was attended by officials, faculty members, and student researchers from various state universities and colleges, along with DOST officials, DOST Regional Directors, and DOST-MIRDC top management.

Full papers of the studies presented during the 2^nd NMEC will be published in the Philippine Metals to be released by the DOST-MIRDC in November.

People Skilled in Specific Trades in Metals and Engineering Given Recognition by DOST-MIRDC and Industry Partners

 by Faith P. Macatangay

Celebrating the Metals and Engineering (M&E) Week also means celebrating people’s skills and letting them shine in their chosen fields. 

On the occasion of the M&E 2023 celebration, the Department of Science and Technology - Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) recognized the skills and talents of individuals and teams during the 6th M&E Skills Competition Awarding Ceremony, on June 21, 2023, held at the Center’s Titanium Auditorium in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Forging Collaborations

“The 6th M&E Skills Competition is a testament to your hard work, team spirit, and sincere commitment to promoting the advancement of the metals, engineering, and allied industries,” commented DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon as he extended his acknowledgment to the partner-industry associations.

The respective partner-industry associations spearheaded the four areas of the trade skills competition. The welding competition led by the Philippine Welding Society (PWS) was held on June 15-16 at the DOST-MIRDC/PWS facilities. A skills competition featuring mechatronics and robotics was held at the Industrial Controls Corporation (ICC)-MTC Bldg. in Quezon City.  This was simultaneously held with the competition in CAD using SOLIDWORKS, which took place at the Computrends Systems Technology, Inc. facility in Makati City on June 19, 2023.  The former was in partnership with the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (MRSP), the latter with PDMA, Inc.   

The following are the winners for each category:

Mechatronics Competition Awardees:

Champion                  CTU Mechatronics – Cebu Technological University-Main Campus

1st Runner Up           NEUST-1 – Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

2nd Runner Up          Saudi Bois – Technological University of the Philippines

Robotics Competition Awardees:

Champion                  TSR V3 – Tagaytay City Science National High School

1st Runner Up           CTU MX – Cebu Technological University

2nd Runner Up          CamHi – Camarines Sur National High School

The Mechatronics Competition and Robotics Competition winners with MRSP, MIRDC officials, and training coordinators.

CAD Using Solidworks Competition Awardees:

Champion                  Ancel Jay D. Curativo – 3dmoto.ph-3D Printing and Prototyping Services

1st Runner Up           John Kevin C. Cusi – Batangas State University

2nd Runner Up          Martin Ray Sobrino – National University

The CAD Using Solidworks Competition winners with PDMA, Inc. President George Ong, MIRDC officials, and training coordinators.

Welding Competition Awardees:

Category 1: Flux Cord Arc Welding (FCAW) in Carbon Steel (CS) Plate - 2G and 3G Positions

Champion                  Bernard A. Isiderio

1st Runner Up           Noli U. Mata – Power Zaver Techno Services Corporation

2nd Runner Up          Red A. Singin – Rizal National High School

Category 2: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) in Carbon Steel (CS) Pipe - 6G Position

Champion                  Jamaica C. Francisco – City of Malabon Polytechnic Institute

1st Runner Up           Angus Jeff S. Malonzo – TESDA Women Center

2nd Runner Up          Ulyssess S. Laynesa

Category 3: Metal Fitting, Metal Fitter’s Tool(s) in Carbon Steel (CS) Plate - Layouting, Cutting (OAC), Finishing

Champion                  Jason V. Gabay

1st Runner Up           Isaiah T. Sadang – TESDA Women Center

2nd Runner Up          James B. Serenio – QA/QC Inspection and Consultancy

The winners of FCAW in CS Plate - 2G and 3G positions (top left photo), GMAW in CS Pipe - 6G position (top right photo), and Metal Fitting (bottom photo) categories under the Welding Competition with PWS, MIRDC officials, and training coordinators.

Win to inspire

How does winning make our awardees feel?

Jason Gabay, Champion of the Metal Fitting, Metal Fitter’s Tool(s) in CS Plate stated, “Because of this competition, I gained more knowledge about metal fitting and improve my skills (in) reading blueprint, also my cutting metals skills. This competition helps me a lot to improve myself and use the knowledge in the future.”

“I can use this accomplishment to inspire other students to improve their CAD skills for their own projects…the competition has enhanced my skills, boosted my confidence, and opened doors for future success.” John Kevin Cusi, Batangas State University, 1^st Runner Up of the CAD Using Solidworks Competition.

Equal opportunities

This year’s welding skill competition is remarkable as it was the first to be participated in by differently-abled persons from the Tahanan ng Walang Hagdanan, Inc. The group received a cash prize and a welding machine from the officers and a corporate member of PWS.

Ms. Carmencita Crisostomo of Tahanan Walang Hagdan (TWH) said that TWH members who competed were “inspired to compete… and felt that they have the right to participate despite their disability in an environment that is open, inclusive, and accessible without prejudice and provide equal opportunity to everybody without discrimination.”

The participants from TWH receives a cash prize from the officers of PWS.

Call for upskilling

Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto, Deputy Executive Director for Technical Services and Chairman of the M&E Week 2023 Committee, emphasized that this annual competition is a platform for skilled participants to enhance their capabilities and technological know-how on in-demand metals and engineering skills.

According to Mr. Isiderio, Champion of the FCAW in CS Plate competition, “Sa lahat ng mga katulad ko na nangarap na maabot ang pangarap, ‘wag lang tayo mawalan ng pag-asa hangga’t maabot natin ang ating mga pangarap sa buhay. Nandiyan palagi ang MIRDC na gumagabay sa atin, at PWS para madagdagan ang ating kaalaman sa larangan ng pag-wewelding, maraming maraming salamat sa MIRDC at sa PWS na nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makasali sa competition.”

M&E Week is celebrated annually every third week of June.  By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 144 issued in 2011, the entire country recognizes the vital role of industry in nation-building. 

It was a successful M&E Week 2023 celebration.  The involvement of partner industry associations, the academe, media, and other relevant government agencies helped achieve the goals of the event – to raise the public’s awareness and appreciation of the significant role of the M&E allied industries in making the economy competitive and sustainable.