PBBM sees advanced robotics, manufacturing technology in Laguna

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (2nd from left) inspects the advanced robotic welding and laser-cutting operations at the Nuvali Steel Processing Center in Biñan City, Laguna, on Saturday (Sept. 26, 2026). The visit highlights the government’s efforts to help local businesses adopt smart manufacturing technologies to boost local production and global competitiveness. (Photo from MPC Pool)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday inspected the state-of-the-art facilities of metal manufacturer Nuvali Steel Processing Center, Inc. (NSPCI) in Biñan City, Laguna.

During his visit to the NSPCI facility at the Laguna Technopark, Inc. Annex, Marcos observed the company’s manufacturing operations in the robotic welding and laser cutting sections, which feature advanced robotics and manufacturing technologies designed to boost the company’s global competitiveness.

Marcos said the transition to automated and smarter manufacturing processes enhances overall production efficiency.

“The reason that it’s important that we see what’s going on here is because this is probably the most state-of-the-art of robotics manufacturing here in the Philippines,” he said after inspecting the facility.

“The products that are coming out of here are already of international standards, that are acceptable. They are acceptable as suppliers for the major companies – automobiles, motorcycles, and other machineries.”

The NSPCI emerged as the key beneficiary of the program, receiving PHP3 million in funding support from the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) 4.0.

The company used the financial assistance to integrate two advanced arc welding robots into its production lines, automating metal fabrication and aligning the firm’s capabilities with smart manufacturing trends.

Marcos hailed the partnership between the DOST and NSPCI in adopting technological innovations to improve the company’s operations, productivity, and competitiveness.

“The fascinating thing here is how advanced the robotics is in this factory. ‘Yung naging tulungan ng DOST at saka ng private sector (The collaboration between the DOST and the private sector), Nuvali Steel, that has been something new,” he said.

He described the technological advancements as “impressive,” saying they would help the country keep pace with emerging trends.

He said incorporating robotics in an industrial setting is crucial to expanding the country’s supply chain, creating more jobs, and boosting local production.

“It is government and private sector working hand-in-hand to help private sector to the state-of-the-art so that we can compete on international level,” Marcos said.

“And the advances that have been made in robotics are really quite impressive. So, it's very good to see.”

The DOST, through its flagship SETUP, provides technical interventions to align micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with Industry 4.0 standards.

Industry 4.0 is defined as the “current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies,” including cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and cognitive computing.

The initiative transitioned to SETUP 4.0 in 2021 to transform local businesses into smart MSMEs.

Under standard SETUP rules, technological upgrades are supported through innovation-enabling fund of up to PHP5 million, which MSMEs could pay over three to five years with zero interest. (PNA)