16/02/2026
๐ก๐๐ช๐ฆ | San Nicolas pottery to upgrade production under MMSU roadmap
By Joycel Lagrio, ๐๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ต๐ณ๐ช๐ฃ๐ถ๐ต๐ฐ๐ณ
The local pottery industry of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, is set for mechanization and market expansion through the launching of the KERAMOS roadmap for 2026-2029, an initiative of the MMSU Department of Materials Science and Engineering, through its Ceramic Engineering program, on February 9.
In collaboration with the municipal government of San Nicolas and the universityโs Extension and Research Directorate, the said roadmap will include phased interventions from foundational training and product development of local pottery in 2026 to sustainability and industry expansion in the coming years.
Led by Engr. Rose Anne Butoy, Program Leader of KERAMOS, a seminar on ceramics appreciation was conducted, featuring project team members and leaders, including Dr. Emie Mirasol, Engr. Louvie John Ruguian, and Engr. Joseph Allan Gamiao, who discussed ceramics as a modern engineering material and a source of sustainable livelihood.
The local artisans were also informed about the growing relevance of traditional damili practices in todayโs modern world, as it continues to play a critical role in construction, energy systems, electronics, medicine, and space technology.
With this framework, local artisan Jake Ashley Bartolome of Rangcapan Pottery expressed that there is a need for improved tools and appropriate mechanization to enhance efficiency while preserving the traditional craftsmanship of local pottery.
In support, San Nicolas Mayor Hon. Ed Mar Vincent Bonoan said the local government unit will ensure the initiative produces market-ready ceramic products by the end of 2026.
โKERAMOS is a timely intervention that aligns cultural preservation with economic development. We are committed to sustaining our townโs long-standing pottery industry. We also welcome MMSUโs research-informed support,โ he said.
Meanwhile, Director of Extension Dr. Marlowe Aquino said that KERAMOS integrates indigenous pottery knowledge with research-based and appropriate technologies that influence the entire industry from production processes to marketing mechanisms. Sustainability, he noted, is achieved by enabling artisans and the community to take ownership of enterprise innovations.
Also present during the event were Mr. Jerson Coloma of the Agriculture and Aquatic Technology Business Incubator (ATBI), who signified support for marketing initiatives, and Mr. Richie Gielbys Cavinta, Senior Tourism Operations Officer, who identified the industryโs tourism potential.
The launch was followed by a coordination meeting at the mayorโs office to discuss implementation plans and expected outputs.
