Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) officers led by President Edward Du, recently attended the grand launching of the second Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) in the Negros Island Region (NIR). The event, marking a milestone for local industries, was celebrated by government and business leaders alike.
The new MEIC aims to boost the manufacturing sector by providing cutting-edge technologies and engineering solutions to businesses in the region. It will also serve as a hub for innovation, supporting the development of advanced metals processing and engineering services. This facility is expected to enhance the competitiveness of local industries, particularly in metals, manufacturing, and engineering sectors.
The establishment of the second MEIC in Negros Island is a key step in the government’s efforts to elevate the industrial capacity of Negros Island Region, driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. Du’s participation highlights the continued support from the business sector in fostering an environment conducive to technological advancement and business development. The center’s launch is anticipated to strengthen the region’s position as a manufacturing and innovation leader in the Philippines.
NOCCI Backs Launch of New Engineering Innovation Center in Negros Island Region
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), with officers led by President Edward Du, joined national and local leaders in celebrating the grand launching of the second Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) in the Negros Island Region (NIR). The event, hailed as a milestone in the region’s industrial development, marks a major leap forward for the local manufacturing and technology sectors.
Held at the newly established facility, the launch gathered government representatives, business leaders, and academic partners, all of whom emphasized the center’s vital role in advancing the capabilities of the region’s industrial ecosystem. The MEIC is expected to provide cutting-edge engineering solutions, technical support, and research capabilities to local manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
President Edward Du, in his address, emphasized the importance of innovation-driven partnerships to transform Negros Island into a competitive hub for advanced manufacturing and engineering services. “This facility stands as a testament to what public-private collaboration can achieve when we align development goals with local industry needs,” Du said.
This is the second engineering innovation center of its kind in the Visayas, and it represents a strategic response to the growing demand for more sophisticated and sustainable production methods. Its services will focus on modernizing processes across the metalworks, fabrication, and machinery sectors, among others, to keep pace with evolving market requirements.
The launch of the MEIC forms part of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) broader initiative to strengthen regional innovation systems and promote inclusive industrialization. It also supports the government’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy rooted in science, technology, and engineering excellence.
NOCCI’s active role in the launch reflects its broader commitment to economic modernization through technology. By engaging with technical agencies, universities, and innovation centers like the MEIC, NOCCI continues to build bridges between entrepreneurs and technological resources that can transform business operations.
The MEIC is designed not only to provide physical access to modern tools and facilities but also to offer technical training programs and engineering consultancy services tailored to local businesses. These services aim to upskill workers, improve product quality, and help enterprises meet global standards—particularly critical as Negros Island’s manufacturing sector eyes export expansion.
Du noted that the center will play a crucial role in developing a new generation of technically skilled professionals who can support industrial growth. “Through initiatives like this, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable, innovation-led economy that offers more opportunities for our youth,” he added.
As part of the event, facility tours were conducted showcasing a range of high-tech engineering equipment, including CNC machines, 3D printers, and metals testing devices. These demonstrations highlighted the MEIC’s capacity to assist in prototype development, precision fabrication, and technical assessments—services once only accessible in larger urban centers like Cebu or Manila.
Stakeholders also underscored how the MEIC can support the green transition of industries by enabling environmentally sustainable engineering practices. Through resource-efficient processes, waste minimization, and circular manufacturing models, the center will help businesses align with environmental compliance and international sustainability targets.
The MEIC’s impact is anticipated to extend beyond manufacturing. By serving as a regional engineering knowledge hub, it will foster cross-sector collaboration, encouraging innovation in construction, agriculture, transport, and even the energy sector. These intersections are key to building a diversified, resilient economy in the Negros Island Region.
Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, who attended the event, expressed his full support for the center and commended NOCCI for its consistent engagement in developmental projects. “We are proud to host this facility in our province. With support from the business community, especially from organizations like NOCCI, the MEIC will thrive as a catalyst for regional progress,” the governor said.
Looking ahead, NOCCI plans to work closely with the MEIC to connect its member businesses with services that enhance competitiveness and technical capabilities. The center is also expected to attract investors seeking engineering expertise and modern facilities to support new ventures in the region.
The launch of the MEIC sends a strong signal that Negros Island is poised to become a national leader in regional engineering innovation. With robust stakeholder collaboration, strong institutional support, and a thriving entrepreneurial community, the region is ready to embrace a new era of industrial growth powered by innovation and technology.
As Negros Oriental strengthens its role in the national value chain, the new engineering hub will serve not only as a facility—but as a movement toward sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven development.
