MALOLOS CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science Technology (DOST) has inaugurated the Internet of Things Research and Innovation for Smart Cities (IoTRILS) laboratory in Bulacan State University (BulSU).
Located at the 4th floor of the College of Industrial Technology building in BulSu’s main campus, DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) allotted P7.5 million for the facility to boost innovation and contribute to the City Government of Malolos’ bid to become a Smart City.
DOST-PCIEERD Director Enrico Paringit emphasized that making IoTRILS into reality is in line with the science, technology and innovation agenda of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to help bring the Philippines to a high middle-income country by 2028.
IoTRILS serves as a showcase of innovative invention and creation of BulSU’s students in the areas of developing a smart home, disaster resilience, health care security, fabrication, and the local assembly of chips for semiconductor industry.
Various outputs can be adapted by national government agencies, local government units, and the private sector.
For instance, IoTRILS is now offering to develop chips to contribute in enhancing the supply chain of the semiconductor industry, where the country relies as one of the major exports.
Paringit pointed-out that further development of local chips will open more opportunities for high-earning jobs.
Currently, the industry is now exploring the utilization of US$13.8 million workforce development program and to enhance skills for assembly, testing and packaging of chips provided by the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund under the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors or the CHIPS Act passed by the United States Congress.
Various student groups in BulSU are also utilizing IoTRILS in developing their innovative inventions like the Solar-powered Lora Flood Monitoring with Ultra-Low Power Optimization for Hagonoy town.
Other innovative projects include developing Smart Homes by using radio frequency identification or RFID in conserving the use of electricity and water, as well as ensuring the security of those living in the house. (CLJD/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)
