CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology - Cordillera Administrative Region and the DOST -Metals Industry Research and Development Center(MIRDC) inked  a memorandum of agreement with the  Kalinga State University(KSU)   for the implementation of Project AMERIAL or Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics and Industrial Automation Laboratory.

This aims to establish industrial automation laboratory to support the technological advancement, workforce improvement and competitiveness of the metals and engineering industries in the province. It also involves the conduct research and development activities related to mechatronics and automation to improve the products, services, and operations of Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiaries and micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and increase their productivity and competitiveness.

Under the partnership,  the KSU will establish a laboratory and  KSU local  AMERIAL team and designate a qualified university staff   to act as  the team coordinator; implement and monitor at least 10 automation-related consultancy, technical services and or R&D project activities with identified MSME/SETUP clients; permit DOST-CAR and MIRDC AMERIAL project team to use available tolls, equipment, software program, and/or facilities during the evaluation and implementation, and  implement activities involved as extension project of KSU. 

The DOST-CAR through the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC)  will  provide the following: science and technology (S&T) assistance through the local grant-in-aid funds   or SETUP; S&T assistance to MSMEs in availing the Venture Financing of Technology Application and Promotion Institute; co-manage with KSU the operation of the KSU-local AMERIAL team  and support the logistics needs of the   team; facilitate linkages with the MSMEs and monitor and document the progress of the project.

For MIRDC, it  will appoint a focal person who will coordinate with DOST and KSU-local AMERIAL team on consultancy and R&D related activities; assist  the local  team  on the evaluation and implementation of the client’s requirements and in monitoring the status of activities; conduct site visit and/or online meeting with MSMEs/stakeholders in   Kalinga, who have potential to adopt automation in their operation; prepare evaluation reports and/or recommendations on the automation process for the endorsed clients.   

Signing for DOST-CAR is Regional Director Nancy Bantog, Robert Dizon for DOST-MIRDC, University President Eduardo Bagtang and Vice President for Research and Development, Extension and Training Jovita Saguibo for KSU.

KSU is the second university in the country and the first in the Cordillera region that partnered with DOST for the AMERIAL project.

Kalinga PSTC Director Jasmin Donaal said that prior to the MOA signing, MIRDC conducted a 10-day assessment  on 41 MSMEs and SETUP clients including KSU to assess their needs and requirements. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)