The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheaded a Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) College of Engineering and Architecture – ICT Room 114, held from September 15 to 18, 2025. The four-day intensive workshop highlighted DOST’s commitment to equipping educators and professionals with advanced technical knowledge in automation and control systems.

Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers
Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers
Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers
Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers
Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers

The program marked a significant leap in advancing engineering education and training, as participants made use of the newly donated Mozi Workshop equipment, along with a set of industrial automation tools previously turned over in May 2024 by Yalong Intelligent Equipment Group Co., Ltd., in partnership with Liaoning Jianzhu Vocational College. These donations symbolize a sustained global collaboration that modernizes technical education and strengthens local expertise in industrial automation.

Participants included faculty members from ISAT U’s College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) and College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), the ISAT U Center for Research, Training, and Development (CTRD) Chair, representatives from ISAT U external campuses in Miag-ao, Barotac Nuevo, and Dumangas, as well as members of the Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (WVCIERD). Their joint participation underscores the broad collaboration among academic, research, and industry sectors in upgrading technical competencies for education and innovation.

Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers
Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers
Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers

The training sessions were designed not only to enhance the teaching competencies of educators but also to foster the practical integration of PLC systems into academic programs. By bridging theoretical learning with hands-on industrial practices, the initiative reinforces DOST’s vision of developing globally competitive graduates who are well-versed in automation technologies.

Beyond enhancing classroom instruction, the workshop also highlighted the crucial role of research-driven learning and technical upskilling in preparing faculty to align their teaching with the country’s growing demand for industrial automation. The strengthened capacities of ISAT U’s CTRD and partner institutions ensure that the benefits of this training cascade across disciplines and campuses.

Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers
Trainer’s Training on Programmable Logic Controllers

The presence of external campus participants further ensured that the reach of automation training extends to students beyond ISAT U’s main campus. This strategic inclusion guarantees that the quality of engineering and technology education remains consistent across the university system, making advanced training accessible even in remote academic settings.

Through this effort, DOST envisions a future-ready Filipino workforce equipped to meet the increasing demand for smart manufacturing, digital transformation, and intelligent systems. More than a skills training program, the initiative reflects DOST’s long-term strategy of elevating the capacities of educators and professionals, ensuring that students across higher education institutions gain access to world-class instruction in automation technologies—an essential foundation for national development in the era of Industry 4.0.