In today’s rapidly evolving battlefield, strength is no longer just about firepower — it’s about intelligence, agility, and technological edge. At the forefront of this shift in the Philippines is Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), where researchers are reimagining defense tools through accessible and cost-effective drone technology.
Heading the charge is Professor Sherwin A. Guirnaldo of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Technology. As the head of MSU-IIT’s Robotics Instrumentation and Control Engineering Laboratory (RICE), Guirnaldo is overseeing the development of a tactical drone system that could change the country’s defense game — and it all starts with materials that can be bought online.
“Some of these parts? You can just order them from Shopee,” Guirnaldo shared.
From Concept to Creation
The project, known as EAVRAM (Expandable Aerial Vehicle for Reconnaissance and Assault Missions), was inspired by how modern conflicts — like the war in Ukraine — have leveraged compact, inexpensive drones to outmaneuver larger, more traditional forces. This kind of strategy is known as asymmetric warfare, where a smaller or less-resourced military uses unconventional tactics to level the playing field.
In this context, the Philippines — with a relatively limited defense budget — must get creative to keep up with regional powers. While countries like China and Japan are investing billions annually in defense, the Philippines’ proposed PHP 256.1 billion budget for 2025 (roughly $4.38 billion USD) makes large-scale purchases of high-end military drones an unrealistic option.
So, why not build locally — and affordably?
Innovation on a Budget
That question led to the birth of EAVRAM: a low-cost, semi-disposable drone using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. With support from MSU-IIT and no initial government funding, the team began work in 2023, determined to create a drone that could be locally produced and deployed at a fraction of the cost of its international counterparts.
Though money was tight, talent was abundant. The team included both graduate and undergraduate engineering students who tackled everything from aerodynamics to crash testing.
Students Taking the Lead
Real-world development of the drone was driven by student researchers under Guirnaldo’s guidance. Fourth-year students such as Michael Caleb Obalan and Alan Pierre-Miguel Gultia worked on aerodynamic studies using wind tunnel experiments and simulation tools. Others, like Ben James Cuajotor and Paula Alexandra Padro, handled crash impact simulations for the drone’s two wing designs — delta and fixed-wing.
At the graduate level, students took on system stability analysis, crash testing, and AI integration. One standout focus was on resilience to signal jamming — a threat in modern electronic warfare. Michael Ray Maligro is leading efforts to make drone control more autonomous using artificial intelligence.
Guirnaldo stressed the importance of student contributions: “If this project reaches success, it’s because of the dedication and innovation of these young engineers. They’re helping define the future of Filipino defense technology.”
From Prototype to Practical Use
Despite the promising results, the prototype has yet to undergo extensive field testing. That’s where government support becomes crucial. Fortunately, with the revival of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Act and a PHP 1 billion allocation for defense R&D, projects like EAVRAM are starting to receive the attention — and funding — they need.
In March 2025, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) awarded funding to EAVRAM as part of its innovation grant program, officially marking a new phase of development. The project, which costs just around PHP 300,000 per unit, could be produced even more cheaply at scale — a critical advantage for a military operating within tight budget constraints.
Built for War, Ready for Relief
Though designed for tactical use, EAVRAM’s applications extend far beyond the battlefield. Its built-in cameras and navigation systems make it ideal for search-and-rescue missions, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. In a country regularly hit by typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding, a drone like EAVRAM could be a game-changer in saving lives.
Why Prepare?
When asked why a peaceful country should invest in defense technology, Professor Guirnaldo echoed a timeless principle: “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
Being ready for conflict — without seeking it — reflects a nation’s commitment to security, innovation, and independence. With EAVRAM, the Philippines isn’t just catching up; it’s charting its own path.
And who knows — maybe in the near future, countries will look to the Philippines not just for hospitality or talent, but for world-class, locally-built drones… made from parts you could once find on Shopee.
