May 21, 2025 | DOST II Regional Office, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
On May 21, 2025, the Aldersgate College Inc. (ACI) Team participated in the Launching of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) Cagayan Valley, a landmark event spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) through its project Technological Readiness and Innovation through Advanced Manufacturing in the Philippines (TRIAMPH), in partnership with DOST Regional Office II. The event was held at the DOST II Regional Office in Carig
Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, and brought together representatives from academia, government, and industry to mark a pivotal step toward fostering regional innovation through advanced manufacturing.
Representing Aldersgate College Inc. were Dr. Cesar T. Medula, Jr., Vice President for Research, Development, and Entrepreneurship; Ms. Chelsey Joy P. Dacumos and Ms. Lhyca Ann A. Sibal, RDE Specialists; and Engr. Carlo JD D. Melegrito, Project Development and Management Officer. Their participation reflected ACI’s commitment to advancing institutional R&D initiatives and supporting science- and technology-based development in the Cagayan Valley Region.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, Regional Director of DOST II, followed by a presentation video showcasing the objectives and vision of AMCen Cagayan Valley. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the AMCen marker formally inaugurated the center, followed by supportive messages from Engr. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of DOST-MIRDC; Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, Undersecretary for
Regional Operations; and Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, who also delivered the keynote address. These leaders emphasized the importance of advancing the country’s manufacturing sector through cutting-edge technologies and inclusive collaborations.
A ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing among DOST II, DOST-MIRDC, Makerlab Electronics, and Puzzlebox 3D formalized the commitment to operationalize AMCen Cagayan Valley. This was followed by a facility tour and live demonstrations of advanced manufacturing technologies. Among the highlights was the demonstration of 3D printing—a core capability of AMCen—which showcased its application in rapid prototyping, customized production, and educational integration. This technology drew significant interest
from participants, including the ACI team, due to its transformative potential across various academic and industrial disciplines.
The Industry Summit and Consultative Meeting served as the culminating session of the event. Facilitated by DOST-MIRDC representatives, this dialogue engaged stakeholders from SUCs, LUCs, NICER Centers, SETUP beneficiaries, private institutions, and industries. One of the critical points discussed was the inclusion of advanced manufacturing, particularly 3D printing and digital design, in higher education curricula. This initiative is envisioned to prepare students with future-ready skills, enhance institutional innovation capacity, and
ensure alignment with industry demands. The ACI Team actively contributed to this discussion, expressing strong support for embedding advanced manufacturing into academic programs and exploring collaborative avenues for faculty training and student immersion in related technologies.
The event proved to be an enriching experience for the ACI Team. It not only provided exposure to AMCen’s technological capabilities but also opened up opportunities for strategic partnerships, curriculum development, and community-based innovation. The team appreciated the platform for dialogue and the emphasis on institutional synergy in advancing science and technology in the region.
In conclusion, Aldersgate College Inc.’s participation in the Launching of AMCen Cagayan Valley reaffirmed its role as a proactive academic institution in the regional innovation ecosystem. With growing opportunities to integrate advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing, into its academic and research initiatives, ACI is well-positioned to contribute to the technological and socio-economic progress of Cagayan Valley and beyond.
