Cebu school: First recipient of Hitachi robotics lab in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines - Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi GST) expands its knowledge and skills enhancement initiative in the Philippines with the launch yesterday of its regional laboratory center at the main campus of the Cebu Technological University (formerly the Cebu State College of Science and Technology).

Hitachi, through its Integrated University Program launched last year, will help develop hard disk drive industry talent in the country by providing scholarships, research grants, lab equipment and on-the-job training to both students and faculty members.

Commission on Higher Education Commissioner Nona Ricafort said that Hitachi’s program is in response to the three-point agenda of President Gloria Arroyo: first, education for all; second, creation of jobs; and third, poverty alleviation.

Ricafort, along with top officials of Hitachi, yesterday witnessed the turnover of the metrology and robotics laboratory facilities to CTU – Hitachi’s latest recipient and, in fact, the first recipient in Central Visayas.

Presidents of six other “most-populated universities in the country” were also present yesterday to sign a memorandum of agreement with Hitachi.

These universities - the state universities of Eastern Visayas, Palawan, and Bulacan - along with the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology, Central Mindanao University, and Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology are also recipients of the state-of-the-art robotics and metrology equipment.

Metrology is defined by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures as “the science of measurement embracing both experimental and theoretical determinations at any level of uncertainty in any field of science and technology”, while robotics is the science or study of the technology associated with the design, fabrication, theory, and application of robots.

The program had initially focused on Manila until CHED and Hitachi GST agreed to mount a wider regional initiative to benefit more schools at the national level. The launch marks the start of the program extension.

“We have recommended the setup of seven labs in public institutions strategically located nationwide to enable other schools within the region to share in the use of the laboratory facilities. This way, we are increasing coverage of the program to help more students and faculty around the country,” Ricafort said.

The first recipients in 2008 were Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines-Diliman. The company considers a school’s curriculum and the population of students in choosing where to give similar laboratory donations.

Hitachi banners the catchphrase: “Inspires the next.”

“Hitachi is impressed by the highly skilled workforce in the Philippines. Through the Integrated University Program, we like to think that we are helping to develop the tremendous potential of these future (next) scientists and engineers,” said Dr. Tuan Tran, vice president of the Worldwide Head Operations of Hitachi GST. — Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)