The Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) expressed its goals as it prepares to celebrate Metals and Engineering (M&E) Week.
"Laging, ginagawa namin, in-offer namin tuwing M&E week, we want to introduce [ourselves] or we want people to know who we are," DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert Dizon told Manila Bulletin on the sidelines of the M&E Week 2024 press conference.
He explained that although the direct stakeholders of DOST-MIRDC are in the metals and engineering sector, its work "affects everyone."
"As I mentioned earlier, the M&E industry cuts across various industries that truly affect everyone," Dizon said in a mix of English and Filipino.
"Because the M&E [industry] manufactures goods and products that people need every day," he added.
With this, the director noted that it "indirectly" brings positive effects to common people through better products, higher quality, and lower costs.
Appreciating local products
Moreover, Dizon highlighted that one of the objectives of the initiative is guided by its slogan for M&E Week, "Metals and Engineering Industry for a Brighter Tomorrow: Revitalized, Unyielding, and Sustainable."
"Sabi nga revitalize, yielding, and sustainable local industry, i-promote natin ang local industry na ma-appreciate ng everyone," Dizon said.
"Whatever products come from the local industry, everyone can appreciate them," he added.
The director also underscored that the activity aimed to serve the industry because one of its primary requirements or needs is human resources.
"Skilled workers are needed, skilled operators, engineers, technicians, they all need these services, and we offer training to meet the needs of the industry," he said.
M&E 2024
The M&E Week 2024 is mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 144 signed by former President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2011, declaring that "every third week of June thereafter as the 'Metals and Engineering Week,' under the auspices of the MIRDC and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)."
The initiative is composed of various activities: the M&E Industry Forum 2024, the third National M&E Conference, the M&E Skills Competition, Open House, and webinars.
These events will round out the week, offering diverse opportunities for engagement and learning.
For this year's event, since the proclamation of June 17 as a regular holiday in observance of Eid al Adha or the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, the M&E Week will start on June 18 and run until June 21.
"The MIRDC will have an open house from Tuesday to Thursday. You can see what we do here, our facilities, and how these facilities serve the M&E industry," Dizon said.