THE UNIVERSITY of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines has inked a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center for the installation of the first Metals and Engineering Innovation Center in Mindanao.

The proposed MEIC aims to strengthen the country’s capacity and capability in the field of metal works and to enhance the engineering and metal industries.

It will also provide the needs of the agriculture sector in terms of machinery and train students on how to fabricate mechanical parts of the equipment used by farmers.

“We are privileged to be selected as the only state university in Mindanao to be identified as the partner of the DOST-Metals Industries Research and Development Center and DOST in the establishment of the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center,” Dr. Ambrosio Cultura II, USTP president, said.

“The university believes that it shares the same vision with DOST when it comes to the development of science and technology and its significance to the socio-economic growth in the region it is therefore essential that as a state-owned university the USTP would be able to continue accomplishing this goal,” he added.

DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña said the MEIC will play a crucial role in the development of the country and will uplift remote areas.

“I am very optimistic that when MEIC activities are in full swing the country will have a healthier appetite for R&D spending, intellectual property generation, publication; all of these will help us run into higher technology ranking,” De La Peña said.