From Craftsmanship to Smart Manufacturing: A Proposal to Offer a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering (BSMechE-FRA) with a Specialization in Footwear Robotics and Automation at Marikina Polytechnic College
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19005322Keywords:
Cultural heritage, curriculum design, footwear robotics and automation, shoemaking, smart manufacturingAbstract
The rapid advancement of Industry 4.0 technologies including robotics, CAD/CAM systems, and cyber-physical manufacturing has transformed global production, yet Marikina City, known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, continues to rely on traditional manual shoemaking methods that limit efficiency and global competitiveness. This study proposes the establishment of a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering with a specialization in Footwear Robotics and Automation (BSMechE-FRA) at Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC), aligned with Republic Act No. 9289 and CHED Memorandum Orders No. 4 s.2018 and No. 20 s.2013. The objective is to integrate smart manufacturing and automation into heritage-based craftsmanship through an outcomes-based curriculum. A qualitative-descriptive approach was used, including curriculum review, stakeholder considerations, and documentary analysis. The study is limited by the availability of infrastructure and faculty capacity for implementation. Results show that MPC’s existing facilities such as the Shoe and Leathercraft Development Center (SLDC), ReSOLES Technology Business Incubator (TBI), and Footwear Innovation and Technology Laboratory (FIT Lab) can support the program’s technical and experiential components. Global best practices demonstrate that hybrid automation models can modernize production without replacing artisanal skills. The study concludes that the BSMechE-FRA program can strengthen the local footwear industry by producing innovation-driven graduates while preserving cultural heritage. It recommends further research on graduate employability, long-term industry impact, and expansion to other heritage-based industries in the Philippines.
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