THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology in Region XII sought the establishment of a Metals and Engineering Innovation Center that will cater to students from the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the city of General Santos.

DOST Soccksargen Director Sammy Malawan said the agency is working with various stakeholders for the construction of the innovation center which will be based at the Mindanao State University- General Santos City campus.

Malawan said that the center will further improve the metals and engineering industry in the region. The facility will have fabrication equipment and its operation will be incorporated with other academic institutions’ engineering curricula.

“It will not only house equipment and technology, but will also serve as a center for research and development activities, and a hub where metalworking expertise will be optimized and shared to encourage continuous innovation in the region,” he said.

Malawan shared that South Cotabato First District Representative Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles supported the project.

“She [Rep. Nograles] appreciated the efforts of both the public and private sectors in advancing metals and engineering in Soccsksargen [and vowed] to support the establishment and help ensure the success of the region’s first innovation center,” he said.