President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged on Saturday to enhance government backing for local manufacturers, with a particular focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), during an official inspection of an automobile parts and metal component facility in Laguna.
President Marcos visited the Nuvali Steel Processing Center, Inc. (NSPC) to observe its operations under the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), an initiative designed to transition domestic enterprises into Industry 4.0.
While touring the facility located in the Laguna Technopark Annex, the Chief Executive noted the operational advantages of implementing robotics and automation, emphasizing the importance of public-private collaboration to help Philippine businesses compete internationally.
“The advances that have been made in robotics are really quite impressive. So, it’s very good to see. We will do more of this, not only for Nuvali Steel, but also for the other companies,” Marcos stated.
Highlighting the impact on local production, the President noted that domestic manufacturing keeps economic value within the country. “Hindi na tayo kailangang mag-import ng kung anu-anong piyesa. Karamihan na ng piyesa na ginagawa na motorsiklo, dito na nanggagaling. And therefore, the value-added stays here,” he added.
Marcos pointed out that strengthening the local supply chain boosts overall output, creates jobs, and ensures steady materials for assembling complex machinery. He also suggested expanding the adoption of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) into the agricultural sector.
“So, this is a very, very important step that we have taken in terms not only of the advancement of the technology, manufacturing technologies but also in the coordination and synchronization between government and the private sector,” Marcos said.
Established in May 2013, NSPC produces automotive parts, metal components, accessories, and aluminum equipment. Through DOST SETUP assistance in 2023, the company acquired two Arc Welding Robots, improving production capacity, precision, and workplace safety, which enabled the business to later secure additional units.
Alongside DOST SETUP, state initiatives such as the Venture Financing Program, Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers (MEICs), and the CUATRO Program support smart manufacturing transitions. Complementary programs from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) include the Shared Service Facilities Project, Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso, and the MSME Business Fund.