Showcasing the various research opportunities and challenges on disaster resiliency, industrial machineries, and parts, transportation, and technology commercialization, the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) through the Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy and Emerging Research and Development (WVCIEERD) recently concluded the 2nd Industry Energy and Emerging Technology (IEET) Research Conference in Western Visayas.
Dignified speakers in their respective fields of expertise shared their insights and experience-based talks. Conference Keynote Speaker, Dr. Al Serafica of USAID STRIDE, in his talk highlighted the challenges and opportunities of partnering with the private industry. Moreover, a series of plenary sessions were conducted:
Initiatives and progress of the country space technologies by Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, Deputy General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). She showcased research areas and various applications of satellite images with focus on disaster management, resource mapping, maritime application, and monitoring of government projects, among others.
The 12 horsepower Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine in Western Visayas by Engr. Jonathan Puerto, Deputy Executive Director for Technical Service of the DOST-MIRDC. The diesel engine was developed by DOST-MITDC and RU Foundry. Engr. Puerto also elaborated on the challenges with the production of engine parts in the context of regional capabilities.
Electric vehicles in the Philippines by Engr. Jose Bienvenido M. Biona, Head of Transport and Logistics Institute, De La Salle University. Engr. Biona also shared their research works and other initiatives on the advocacy of promoting the utilization of electric vehicles in the country.
DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga presented the future landscape of R&D in Western Visayas. Engr. Gelonga highlighted the vision and goals for the R&D activities anchored on the roadmaps and the regional development plans. The knowledge and experience-sharing discussion provided a venue for the researchers to share their experiences with feedback from the members of the panel.
More than 250 participants witnessed the unveiling of the WVCIEERD official logo and website in the Opening Ceremonies. Participants of the conference were researchers, faculties, students, and private individuals from academe, government agencies, and private institutions in the region.
The event was graced by DOST officials, Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña with DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, USec. Rowen Cristina L. Guevara, and Consortium Chairperson and Central Philippine State University (CPSU) President, Dr. Aladino C. Moraca. (SSalazar/DOST VI KMU)
