CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union - The Department of Science and Technology Region I (DOST-I), together with DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo, featured the Metals and Engineering Innvoation Center (MEIC) on their weekly radio program titled, “Tekno Presyensya: Syensya ken Teknolohiya para kadagiti Umili,” on September 1, 2022.

MEIC is a joint project of DOST-I, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC), and DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) to promote innovation culture, strengthen capacity and capability in the field of metalworking, and boost the competitiveness of the metals and engineering industries.

The MEIC serves four purposes: it supports the DOST's metals and engineering research and development, which promotes creativity and innovation; it assists in prototyping machineries; supports small scale production, and it serves as a training ground for state university students and metals and engineering MSMEs in the area.

Dr. Victorio C. Palabay, Dean of the College of Technology at DMMMSU-MLUC, discussed the scope, goals and objectives, of the MEIC as well as its impact to the academe and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He emphasized how the innovation center assisted their graduates in honing their skills and preparing them for future career opportunities. On the other hand, he explained how MEIC greatly aided MSMEs in improving the quality and quantity of their production. Dr. Palabay also shared MEIC's future plans and efforts to serve the community better.

On the other hand, Ruzzel A. Abuan, DOST-I’s focal person gave a tour of the MEIC’s working area and provided a brief overview of the equipment that they use in their processes. These machines include the Sheering machine, Bending machine and Rolling machine.

For MSMEs who are interested in availing the MEIC services, they can write the DOST-I regional office to signify their interest. (By Carla Joyce B. Cajala, DOST-I)