First Metal Eng’g Innovation Ctr in CAR set up at IFSU-Lagawe
By Daniel B. Codamon
LAGAWE, Ifugao, March 18 (PIA) – – A Metal Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) is currently being established at the Ifugao State University (IFSU)-Lagawe Campus here, the first in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
The project initiated by the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of the Department of Science and Technology (MIRDC-DOST) aims to develop strong partnership with regional academic institutions to promote innovation culture and strengthen their capability in field of metal work . It will enhance the competitive advantage of the Metals and Engineering industries in CAR by supporting cooperation in research and development and in providing the machine prototyping needs of the industry.
According to DOST Senior Science Research Specialist Oscar Primo Quibot, the center will focus on strengthening and developing academic activities and the conduct of researches and training center for the faculties and students to learn about metals and engineering innovation.
The MIRDC delivered and turned-over to IFSU initial fabrication equipment and auto machines worth P7 million last February 3, 2021, and the remaining equipment is expected to be delivered and installed by this month.
IFSU allotted additional P1.5 million from the university fund as its counterpart to the project.
IFSU President Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon said the project will be a big help in generating and disseminating appropriate knowledge and technologies that will provide sustainable resource development and its support in the promotion of Science and Technology in the region.
The Center will contribute in fulfilling the goal of the school to be a campus of choice for Engineering Technology as well as Education and Business and Management, IFSU-Lagawe Campus Chief Executive Director Vicky Cadalig added.
Dugyon extended her thanks to the Commission on Higher Education head Lilian De Las Llagas and DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog for making the project possible.
It can be recalled that in December 22, 2020, officials of IFSU and other state universities and colleges joined the virtual soft launching and memorandum of agreement signing of the MIRDC project. (JDP/DBC- PIA CAR, Ifugao)
