DOST rolls up first Advanced Manufacturing Center in Zamboanga to boost local innovation

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2025-09-30. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

This record preserves information as published on the source website. It does not confirm that a historical opportunity, deadline, service requirement, contact, or planned project is current. Check with the responsible DOST office before acting.

Staged text edition: Source images are not included because image recovery was blocked. The captured article text is preserved; illustrations remain pending recovery.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., (left) together with Western Mindanao State University’s (WMSU) Dr. Fredelino M. San Juan (right), during the unveiling of the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) held at the Research and Innovation Center for Metals and Engineering of the WMSU in Zamboanga City on 23 September 2025. (Photo by: Xyrus Ivan De Gracia, DOST-STII)

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) and DOST Region IX, in partnership with the Regional Innovation Center for Metals and Engineering (RICME) of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), has officially inaugurated the first Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) in the Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen), to boost local innovation.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening science, technology, and innovation in the region. 

The unveiling of the AMCen marker was held during the opening ceremony of the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) and HANDA Pilipinas – Mindanao Leg, at the Palacio Del Sur in Zamboanga City.

This newly launched facility is the ninth AMCen established nationwide, under the monitoring of DOST.

According to Engineer Kevin Marc Bejerano of RICME, AMCen is the only facility of its kind in the region, designed to support innovation across both academic and industrial sectors. “Our goal extends beyond supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); we aim to drive research efforts among faculty, industry partners, [and] especially our students.”

The AMCen in WMSU is equipped with cutting-edge 3D printing technology to support rapid prototyping, initially focusing on plastic-based models, with future expansion into metal-based applications in coordination with DOST-MIRDC’s AMCen central office in Taguig City. “We have 3D printing for deposition modeling for plastics,” explained Engr. Bejerano. “For metals, more of that is handled at the central office of AMCen.”

The center has already begun serving students and researchers, particularly from WMSU, who are using the facility for their thesis projects and product prototype development. “Our main focus is prototyping, not just for industries but also for academic research,” Engr. Bejerano added. “We were able to cater to students and researchers. We started with WMSU students using 3D printing primarily for casing designs and other components of their theses.”

When asked about workflows and challenges, Engr. Bejerano acknowledged that some design-related issues have surfaced. “There are designs that are intricate for us,” he noted. “But with the help of my staff in AMCen, and with the support from the central office, we are able to manage prototyping and printing.”

While studies on the center’s return on investment and economic contributions are ongoing, Bejerano emphasized AMCen’s long-term impact on regional innovation and human capital development. “We are hopeful that this facility will make a meaningful contribution, not just in terms of GDP, but more importantly in strengthening research and technological capability for our industries,” he said.

“This is not just a center for WMSU but for the whole of Western Mindanao,” concluded DOST Sec. Renato Solidum Jr.

AMCen aims to support research and innovation, particularly in the rapid development of prototypes and proof of concept. Engr. Robert O. Dizon, Executive Director of DOST-MIRDC, also noted that AMCen provides training opportunities for both students and professionals.

AMCen is part of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology’s (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.dost.gov.ph. (By Abigael S. Omaña, DOST-STII)