DOST Sec. Estrella F. Alabastro with MIRDC OIC Arthur Lucas D. Cruz unveiling MIRDC's Marker. (1st M&E Week)
The M&E Week started as a strategic initiative under the M&E Industries Development Plan on Sectoral Intervention Programs presented during strategic planning sessions, "MIRDC's Leaders' Forum and Planning Conference," held at the Boso-boso Highlands Resort in Antipolo, Rizal in December 2007.
Former DOST Sec. Antonio V. Arizabal, Jr, receives the MIRDC Legacy Trophy Award (2011 M&E Week)
The M&E Week started as a strategic initiative under the M&E Industries Development Plan on Sectoral Intervention Programs presented during a strategic planning session, “MIRDC’s Leaders’ Forum and Planning Conference,” held at the Boso-boso Highlands Resort in Antipolo, Rizal in December 2007. The proponent, yours truly, then OIC Deputy Executive Director for Industry Development, envisioned the M&E Week Celebration as a venue for the recognition of M&E practitioners which was patterned after the Outstanding Professionals of the Year Award bestowed by the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC) to licensed professionals during its Professional Regulation Week celebration. The proposed M&E Week was refined further to include holding of symposia and conferences, conduct of seminars and trainings, skills competition, sports competition, open house and to encompass activities that were done during previous celebrations of MIRDC’s founding anniversary.
Deputy Directors Fudolig and Puerto launch MIRDC's logo mosaic during the Employees' Day. (2012 M&E Week)
In March 2009, Arthur Lucas D. Cruz, then OIC of the Office of the Executive Director of MIRDC, pushed for an official declaration from Malacañan Palace with the endorsement of DOST Sec. Estrella F. Alabastro. Presidential Proclamation No. 1806 was issued on June 15, 2009 declaring June 15 to 19, 2009 as M&E Week, which gave MIRDC less time to prepare for its observance. Nevertheless, the 43rd MIRDC founding anniversary celebration served as the first M&E Week event, which included a dialogue with industry where plans and proposed activities for succeeding M&E Week celebrations were presented.
PAIF President Mr. Vicente T. Mills, Jr., DTI Secretary Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr., MIRDC OIC Robert O. Dizon and MIRDC GC member Antonio A. Gimenez join each other in the ribbon cutting of the MIRDC ATF (2015 M&E Week)
The following year, Presidential Proclamation No. 2062 was issued on May 24, 2010, declaring June 14-18, 2010 as M&E Week, giving MIRDC’s designated committee ample time to prepare. The first M&E Conference was held at The Heritage Hotel, Pasay City and featured the presentation of the Technology Road maps for the Machining and Fabrication, the Metalcasting and the Tool and Die sectors crafted by MIRDC together with industry associations and other government stakeholders. The M&E Conference themed, “Strengthening Strategic Partnerships towards a Globally Competitive Metals and Engineering Industry,” was held in cooperation with the Metal Engineering Industry Foundation, Inc. (MEIFI) and supported by the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD).
MIRDC employees enjoy the Employees Day activities (2013 M&E Week)
Prominent M&E practitioners were awarded by MEIFI during this event: Mr. Jimmy T. Chan as Tool and Die Maker of the Year, Mr. Philip N. Tan as Metalworker of the Year, Mr. Wellington Y. Tong as Steelmaker of the Year, Mr. Gregorio Coronel as Welder of the Year and Dr. Ceferino L. Follosco both as Fabricator of the Year and M&E Man of the Year. Sec. Estrella F. Alabastro received the first MIRDC Legacy Trophy Award, which is given in recognition of individuals who contributed lasting impressions to the Metals and Engineering (M&E) industry of the Philippines.
The Metals and Engineering Week is an annual event that recognizes the ever-growing importance of the metals, engineering, and allied industries to nation-building.