The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is pushing for the establishment of a Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) in a state university here, an official said on Monday.

Engr. Sammy Malawan, director of DOST-Region 12, said they are currently working with various stakeholders for the development of the innovation center, which is aimed to further boost the metals and engineering industry in the region.

He said the proposed facility, which will be supported by the agency’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), would be set up at the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus here.

South Cotabato First District Rep. Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles expressed support to the project in a meeting last week at the Metallic Pisces Engineering Works in Barangay Calumpang, he said.

Malawan said they initially explored areas of support and possible assistance that may be extended by the office of Rep. Nograles for the construction of the facility.

“She (Rep. Nograles) appreciated the efforts of both the public and private sectors in advancing metals and engineering in Soccsksargen (and vowed) to support the establishment and help ensure the success of the region’s first innovation center,” he said in a statement.

The official said they are mainly pushing for the development of the facility to the region’s metalworking demands.

He said this will be realized through collaboration between the DOST-MIRDC and the academe, specifically with the MSU.

Malawan said the MEIC will be outfitted with fabrication equipment and its operation will be incorporated into the partner academic institutions’ regular engineering and engineering-related curricula.

“It will not only house equipment and technology, but will also serve as a center for research and development activities, and a hub where metalworking expertise will be optimized and shared to encourage continuous innovation in the region,” he said. (PNA)