DOST brings robotics, AI to strengthen Romblon marble industry

• Photo courtesy of Romblon News Network

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is introducing mechatronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to help modernize and strengthen Romblon’s marble industry.

Through DOST-MIMAROPA, the agency said the initiative aims to improve production speed, product consistency, and quality while supporting one of Romblon’s most recognized heritage industries.

Romblon has long been known for its marble artisans and stone carvers, making the industry an important part of the province’s identity and local economy.

In an interview with Radyo Siyensya, DOST-MIMAROPA Regional Director Dr. Bernardo N. Cepeda said the agency wants to give local marble artisans access to technologies that can help address production challenges.

“Sa tulong ng ating mga eksperto sa teknolohiya, nais nating bigyan ng pagkakataon ‘yung mga artisan [ng marmol] natin na makagamit ng mga makabagong teknolohiya,” Cepeda said.

Under DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), local marble workers in Romblon were given technical assistance and access to technologies used for carving, production, and product packaging.

These include mechatronics equipment, robotic arms for production, and the use of AI in creating marble designs. The program also provided access to machines and tools such as lathe machines, cutting machines, and motor tools, which are used by marble artisans in their work.

While the initiative introduces advanced production methods, SETUP Romblon Project Lead Lyn F. Fruelda said the technologies are not meant to replace traditional marble carving.

“Kasi parte na ito ng aming sining, pagkakakilanlan, kaugalian. Ang layunin namin ay ipakilala na mayroon din tayong alternatibong teknolohiya para i-improve ‘yung quality [ng ating produkto] para makasabay tayo sa [current market],” Fruelda said.

Romblon Marble Industry Council (RMIC) General Manager Myrna Bien Silverio said the technologies are expected to help the industry meet higher demand while maintaining product quality and consistency.

With the use of automated systems, marble raw materials can be processed using machinery that can carve designs with greater consistency, volume, and reproducibility.

“Kung noon natatanggihan namin sila because we cannot meet their demands, ngayon dahil sa pagpasok ng latest technologies sa industriya, umasa kayo na ang inyong order sa amin ay [good] quality,” Silverio said.

The initiative supports DOST-MIMAROPA’s roadmap for a “Sustainable and Globally Competitive Future” for the Romblon marble industry from 2025 to 2035.

As part of efforts to strengthen the legacy of Romblon as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines,” the RMIC was established with industry partners, state universities and colleges, government agencies, and the local government of Romblon.

Cepeda also said funding is already available for the launch of a Marble Center, a laboratory focused on research, product development, innovation, and marble by-products to support the country’s circular economy goals.

DOST-MIMAROPA is also looking to introduce a blockchain mechanism for the local marble industry to provide traceability for Romblon-made products, alongside training programs for workers.

“Dito na sa Romblon natin gawin ‘yung lahat ng nasa supply chain ng marble para tayo na mismo ‘yung mag-e-export. [Pero] kailangan pang [magsanay ang ating industry] at definitely DOST will be at the forefront,” Cepeda said.