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The DOST Ilocos Region spearheaded the Regional Dialogue on Metal Fabrication and Partnership Building with Metal Industry Fabricators in Region I on January 21, 2026, at the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Mid La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC).
The activity gathered metal industry stakeholders, fabricators, and institutional partners to strengthen collaboration, promote innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of the local metal industry in the region.
The program formally opened with an inspirational message from Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, who encouraged metal fabricators to actively support local innovations and fabrication initiatives. In her message, Director Tabaog highlighted the critical role of metal fabrication in advancing technologies and called for a holistic approach through continuous dialogue and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to achieve sustainable regional development.
The morning session featured an overview and introduction of the DOST–Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center in Region I, presented by Engr. Rey Mariposque, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-MIRDC. This was followed by an audio-visual presentation on the MEIC Manual of Operations and a presentation on the MEIC services delivered by Engr. Edwin Rimas, Director of MEIC, DMMMSU-MLUC, providing participants with a clear understanding of the facility’s capabilities and available support for metal fabricators.
In the afternoon, Ms. Girlie M. Millo, Science Research Specialist of DOST-MIRDC, presented the MEIC Sustainability Plan, outlining strategies to ensure the long-term operation and impact of the center. An open forum followed, allowing participants to raise concerns, share insights, and discuss potential areas for collaboration. The activity also featured a technology demonstration led by Engr. Rey Mariposque and Mr. Regie M. Cinco, showcasing relevant technologies and applications beneficial to the local metal industry.
The closing remarks were delivered by the MEIC Head, Dr. Edwin Rimas, who reiterated the importance of sustained partnerships among government, academe, and industry. Overall, the dialogue reinforced the shared commitment of DOST llocos Region, DOST-MIRDC, and DMMMSU-MLUC to promote innovation, enhance technology adoption, and strengthen the metal fabrication sector in Region I.(Ashley Marie Louise D. Hufana and Sheshenie Janae M. Perez)
