1st Metals and Engineering Innovation Center in CAR to rise at IFSU Lagawe


Ifugao State University (IFSU) is privileged as the first university in the region to be among the recipients of the Metals Industry Research and Development Center-Department of Science and Technology (MIRDC-DOST) where Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) will be established.

This project was initiated by MIRDC titled, “Establishment of Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Regions I, II, III and X,” with the aim of developing strong partnership with regional academic institutions to promote innovation culture and to strengthen their capacity and capability in the field of metalworking to enhance the competitive advantage of the metals and engineering (M&E) industries and to enhance the competitive advantage of the metals and engineering industries in the regions. Alongside, it supports partnerships in research and development, and in providing machine prototyping needs of the industry.

According to Osric Primo Bern A. Quibot, Senior Science Research Specialist, the MEIC focuses on strengthening and developing academic activities, conduct of researches, and training center for faculties and students to learn about metals and engineering innovations. Engr Quibot further explained the criteria in choosing the recipients of the project. He said that the university must have a strong curriculum in Engineering and must have the intention to establish an innovation center. During the call for nomination, the DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog nominated IFSU and after passing with the criteria, the university was chosen to be among the beneficiaries of the project making it the first university in CAR to be the center for MEIC.

The MIRDC led the initial delivery and turn-over of the 7 million worth of fabrication equipment and auto machines at IFSU Lagawe Campus on February 3, 2021 while the remaining equipment are expected to be fully delivered and installed this month of March. The equipment includes Hydraulic Press Brake, Hydraulic Sheering Machine, Tig Welding Machine, Electric Hoist (2T), Plasma Cutter, and Sheet Metal Roller.

IFSU President Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon allotted additional 1.5 million pesos from the university fund for the improvement of the machine shop. “I extend my gratitude to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) headed by Commissioner Lilian De Las Llagas and DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog for making this accomplishment possible.” She added that the project is also a big help in generating and disseminating appropriate knowledge and technologies that promote sustainable resource development and its support in the promotion of Science and Technology in the region.

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“The project contributes in fulfilling the goal of the campus-to be a campus of choice for Engineering, Technology as well as Education and Business and Management,” said Lagawe Campus Chief Executive Director (CED) Vicky K. Cadalig. Kudos also to the College of Engineering & Technology headed by the Dean Engr Dahlia Bunolna, the Faculty and Staff”, she ended.

On December 22, 2020, IFSU together with other SUCs such as Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMSU), Cagayan State University (CSU) and Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) joined the virtual soft launching and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing. //report from IFSU-Lagawe Campus