BIÑAN CITY, Laguna — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday inspected the Nuvali Steel Processing Center (NSPC) here as the government promotes wider use of automation, robotics and artificial intelligence in local industries.

Marcos, accompanied by Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., visited the facility on 26 September to highlight the DoST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

The program helps Filipino enterprises acquire and adopt technologies to improve productivity, product quality, workplace safety and competitiveness.

During the inspection, Marcos viewed the facility’s automated operations and stressed the importance of continuing the government’s Industry 4.0 initiative, particularly the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence into manufacturing.

He said technological modernization would help Philippine industries meet international standards and remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global market.

Through SETUP, the DoST promotes technology upgrading among micro, small and medium enterprises in industries including fabricated metal products, machinery and equipment, food processing and other priority sectors.

The Biñan visit highlighted Laguna’s role as one of the country’s major manufacturing hubs, where industrial firms are adopting advanced production technologies.

Marcos said the government would continue supporting private-sector innovation through DoST programs to help Filipino enterprises modernize their operations and develop globally competitive products.