Pottery makers in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte are looking at a shift from mostly manual production to more mechanized processes under a four-year roadmap led by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).  

The KERAMOS Roadmap 2026–2029 was launched on February 9 by the MMSU Department of Materials Science and Engineering through its Ceramic Engineering program, in partnership with the municipal government and the university’s Extension and Research Directorate. The plan begins with basic training and product development activities in 2026 and is expected to move toward long-term sustainability and expansion of the local pottery industry in the succeeding years.  

During the launch, program leader Engr. Rose Anne Butoy and team members Dr. Emie Mirasol, Engr. Louvie John Ruguian, and Engr. Joseph Allan Gamiao conducted a ceramics appreciation session that tackled ceramics as engineering materials and as potential anchors for local livelihood.  

Artisans were also briefed on how the town’s traditional *damili* practices connect with modern applications of ceramics in construction, energy systems, electronics, medicine, and space-related technologies.  

Local artisan Jake Ashley Bartolome of Rangcapan Pottery said producers need improved tools and appropriate mechanization to increase efficiency and output while retaining the handmade character and cultural identity of San Nicolas pottery.  

San Nicolas Mayor Ed Mar Vincent Bonoan said the municipal government will work with MMSU so that local potters can develop market-ready ceramic products by the end of 2026, adding that the project is expected to support both cultural preservation and local economic activity.  

MMSU Director for Extension Dr. Marlowe Aquino said the KERAMOS framework is designed to combine indigenous pottery knowledge with research-based and appropriate technologies, covering the production process as well as marketing. He added that sustainability will depend on artisans and communities taking the lead in adopting and managing enterprise innovations.  

Also present at the activity were Jerson Coloma of the Agriculture and Aquatic Technology Business Incubator (ATBI), who expressed support for marketing initiatives, and Senior Tourism Operations Officer Richie Gielbys Cavinta, who pointed to the pottery sector’s tourism potential.  

The launch was followed by a coordination meeting at the mayor’s office, where partners discussed implementation steps and expected outputs for the roadmap’s initial year.