The Department of Science and Technology – Region X (DOST-X) enters into a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Science and Technology of the Philippines (USTP) CDO campus and DOST – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) for the establishment of the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) in Region X. The ceremonial MOA signing was at USTP – Claveria in celebration of the USTP’s Fourth Charter Day Celebration on August 13, 2020.

The USTP-MEIC is a project of DOST-MIRDC to initially establish Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers in five (5) regions across the country. The project aims to develop a strong partnership between DOST and regional academic institutions to promote innovation culture and strengthen both parties’ capacity and capability in the field of metalworking. All these objectives are to enhance the competitive advantage of the Metals and Engineering (M&E) Industries in the regions.

The Innovation Center will soon initially hub various tools and equipment from DOST-MIRDC amounting to at least PHP7 million. DOST-X also initially committed PHP2 million as funding assistance for the said center.

“The metals industry is the mother of all industries. Every industry that exists today utilizes metals and engineering in its operations. Hence, we at DOST provide coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people in the Region X,” DOST-X Regional Director Alfonso P. Alamban said in his message during the MOA signing.