DOST pushes for intelligent and sustainable future of metals and engineering industries at IMEC 2026

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Building the future for a resilient and sustainable metals and engineering industries, the Department of Science and Technology–Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) assembled industry leaders from private, public, and international organizations at the International Metals and Engineering Conference (IMEC) 2026 on June 18, 2026, held at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang to discuss its vital role to fully support digital transformations.

Operating under the forward-looking theme, “Beyond Digital Transformation: Convergent Technologies for Intelligent and Sustainable Metals and Engineering Industries,” IMEC 2026 serves a vital purpose: to unite the brightest minds across government, industry, academia, and research institutions to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable industries for future generations.

With the conference also marking a historic milestone of DOST-MIRDC’s 60th anniversary, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. outlined the core mission of IMEC 2026, stating that the challenge of this time is not simply adopting new technologies, but creating a convergence of expertise and people united for national progress.

He highlighted breakthrough local innovations such as the iPOND system for automatically monitors and controls shrimp waters through sensors that gather and analyze data including temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen; and the automated defense systems BUHAWI, an automated mount for a .50-caliber machine gun developed for the Philippine Navy, and COBRA, a locally developed automated weapon system designed for the Philippine Army—proving that Filipinos are highly capable creators of world-class technology.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. encourages the IMEC 2026 attendees to believe that “Filipino talent can develop world-class solutions that address national needs and contribute to strategic self-reliance.”

With this, he encouraged the Filipino engineers, researchers, and innovators to take inspiration from these achievements, believing that “Filipino talent can develop world-class solutions that address national needs and contribute to strategic self-reliance.”

“Believe in your capacity to create. Believe in your ability to solve problems. Believe that your ideas matter because the future of the Philippine industry will not be imported from elsewhere. It will be designed, developed, and built by Filipinos,” he said.

Meanwhile, in his welcome address, DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Engr. Robert O. Dizon emphasized that the conference's primary goal is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and collaborative action in an era of rapid technological convergence.

DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Engr. Robert O. Dizon welcomes the participants of the International Metals and Engineering Conference 2026, highlighting that the true measure of digital transformation is how these tools are utilized to improve lives and strengthen communities.

“Technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, smart materials, data analytics, and green technologies are no longer developing separately—they are coming together to transform the way we work, create, and build industries for the future,” Dizon stated.

He further noted that the true measure of digital transformation is how these tools are used to build industries that are resilient in times of change, sustainable for future generations, and inclusive enough to ensure that no one is left behind.

AI is the ‘now’

Distinguished international keynote speakers share their insights and answer questions during the Fireside Chat at the International Metals and Engineering Conference (IMEC) 2026. Together, they engaged in a dynamic discussion on how convergent technologies like AI, IoT, and smart manufacturing can forge a more resilient and sustainable future for the metals and engineering industries.

Adding a global perspective to the conference, IMEC 2026 also featured a distinguished lineup of international keynote speakers who are leading experts in their respective fields.

Dr. Steve Chan from the Decision Engineering Analysis Laboratory in the USA brought his extensive experience as a Science and Technology Advisor and researcher for various government and industry organizations.

Prof. Dong-Seong Kim from the Kumoh National Institute of Technology in South Korea shared his expertise on real-time Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial wireless control networks.

The conference also welcomed Prof. Arun Kumar Sangaiah from Taiwan's National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, a highly cited researcher specializing in artificial intelligence, deep learning, and smart systems.

Highlighting advancements in defense and health, Prof. Artem Lenskiy from the University of New South Wales Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy brought his background in machine learning and signal processing.

Finally, Dr. Jimson Ngeo, a research scientist at MetaAI in the USA, discussed his pioneering work on deep learning and non-invasive neuromotor interface technologies.

IMEC 2026 best presenters, best paper

DOST MIRDC officials award the best presenters of the technical papers in parallel sessions of the IMEC 2026. (From left to right) Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto, DOST-MIRDC deputy executive director for technical services; Engr. Robert O. Dizon, DOST-MIRDC executive director; session 5 best presenter Christian Padilla from Colegio de Muntinlupa; session 4 best presenter Janna Mallorca of the Technological University of the Philippines - Taguig; session 3 best presenter and IMEC 2026 best paper awardee Gabriel John De Leon from the University of the Philippines - Los Baños; session 2 best presenter Hohn Lois Clave Bongao of Technology University of the Philippines-Taguig; session 1 best presenter Arniel Vhien Lisondra from the Center for Advanced Solutions in Technocasting in SOCCSKSARGEN; and Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig, DOST-MIRDC deputy executive director for research and development.

Meanwhile, local researchers presented technical papers in parallel sessions focusing on Metal Works and Conventional Manufacturing; Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies; Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing Systems; Emerging Technologies and Engineering Applications; and Robotics, Automation, and Defense-Related Applications.

To celebrate outstanding contributions to the field, the conference recognized the Best Presenters from each session: 

• Session 1 (Metal Works and Conventional Manufacturing): Arniel Vhien Lisondra from the Center for Advanced Solutions in Technocasting in SOCCSKSARGEN and his team won for "Effect of Ingate-Slag Trap Spacing on Flow and Shrinkage in Cast Iron Spools." The study used simulation-based evaluations to find the optimal spatial relationship in gating systems, effectively enhancing molten metal flow and minimizing shrinkage defects in cast iron components.

• Session 2 (Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies): Hohn Lois Clave Bongao of Technology University of the Philippines-Taguig and his team were awarded for "Design and Development of Additively Manufactured Bamboo Contour Gauge." This research addressed the difficulties of working with irregular bamboo culms by creating an innovative 3D-printed contour gauge with an iris-locking mechanism, reducing joinery preparation time by 70 to 85 percent.

• Session 3 (Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing Systems): Gabriel John De Leon from the University of the Philippines - Los Baños and his team were recognized for "Improving Rush Order Reliability by Simulation-Based Evaluation of Garment Subcontractor Operations." By using discrete-event simulation and GIS-enabled routing, the study demonstrated that adopting centralized or in-house production models can reduce garment manufacturing lead times by over 80 percent and lower logistics costs. The study, with co-authors Thomas Blue Maniquis, Paul Emmanuel Alcantara, and Bea Trixi Mosquera, was also awarded the Best Paper of the IMEC 2026.

• Session 4 (Emerging Technologies and Engineering Applications): Janna Mallorca of the Technological University of the Philippines - Taguig won for "X-Y Plotter Development and Control for Spectroscopy Sensing of Onions." Her team developed an automated, low-cost system using an X-Y plotter to enable systematic, non-destructive quality scanning of onions, offering a highly accurate and scalable alternative to expensive conventional setups.
  
  

• Session 5 (Robotics, Automation, and Defense-Related Applications): Christian Padilla from Colegio de Muntinlupa and his team earned the top spot for "AeroVit: A Gamified Adaptive AI Fitness Platform Utilizing Reinforcement Learning." This study introduced a smartphone and wearable device ecosystem that uses AI for real-time posture estimation and adaptive voice coaching to safely guide users and improve exercise biomechanics.

The Metals Industry Research and Development Center is one of the attached agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.mirdc.dost.gov.ph. (By Rosemarie S. Pelaez, DOST-STII and photos by the Broadcasting and Digital Media Section, DOST-STII