CEBU CITY — DTI 7 and TESDA 7 inaugurated a state-of-the-art Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) in Cebu, bolstering the government’s commitment to empower MSMEs with cutting-edge tools and resources vital for fostering creativity, refining skills, and driving success.

The launching ceremony, MOA and usufruct agreement signing held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, were attended by key officials from both agencies and their stakeholders.

In her welcoming message, DTI Region 7 Central Visayas Regional Director Maria Elena Arbon emphasized that this collaboration seeks to institute a comprehensive approach, establishing a formal and structured framework to upskill and reskill individuals, elevating education and productivity within the manufacturing and fabrication sector in the Philippines.

DTI Regional Operations Group Group Usec. Blesila Lantayona also expressed gratitude to TESDA for embracing this partnership, making FabLab TESDA the 8th of its kind in the region and the 5th in Cebu.

With a total estimated project cost of PHP 91.6 million, DTI has contributed about PHP 11.7 million towards seven (7) equipment and machineries, including 3D printers, laser cutters, printers and cutters, desktop vinyl cutters, computer numerical control (CNC) routers (shopbot), small CNC bench-boxes, and milling machines.

“These machineries hold immense significance for enhancing productivity and efficiency, technological advancement, skill development, and industry competitiveness, among other benefits,” mentioned RD Arbon.

The FabLab is situated within TESDA 7’s innovation building — the first Regional Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Innovation Center (RTIC) in the country.

TESDA Region VII Regional Director Ramon Evan Cruz expressed pride in launching this project under his leadership, crediting the efforts of the past two RDs of the agency who contributed to forming the proposal since 2020.

This initiative aligns with DTI’s FiestaKucha Cebu, a month-long regional festive program celebrating the Philippine Creative Industries Month. The DTI envisions providing a collaborative space where entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators, such as MSMEs, can experiment, learn, and develop groundbreaking ideas.

According to RD Arbon, FabLab TESDA is a hub of possibilities, enabling MSMEs to prototype, iterate, and bring their visions to life in an environment conducive to growth and collaboration. ♦

Date of release: 29 September 2023

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