To continuously improve the competitiveness of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Region 4A signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) for the establishment of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) for an Innovation Laboratory (InnoLab), a P24M project, on 8 April 2021 via Zoom platform.
Innovation or Fabrication Laboratories are hubs that enable the transformation of digital designs into solid prototypes made possible through advanced technology. To be located at the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology Center of Innovation (CCOI) of DLSU-D, the SSF is set to cater to research units of the college, MSMEs, industry and community partners, and enthusiasts of digital design and fabrication.
The CCOI is a startup project whose main purpose is to help industry partners and other partner communities solve problems associated with launching other startup projects by providing a space to work, mentoring, training, and other benefits.
Included in the services of the SSF are metal and carbon fiber printing, large-scale Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling, laser cutting, engraving, and scanning—all equipped with three-dimensional (3D) modeling and design software.
“Innolab is the 29th SSF to be launched by DTI-Cavite and is considered their most advanced project,” said DTI OIC Provincial Director Revelyn A. Cortez.
According to DTI-Region 4A Regional Director Marilou Q. Toledo, “The FabLab is 4th in the CALABARZON Region and is expected to accelerate the process of product research and development through innovation and digitalization.”
Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona, on the other hand, emphasized the urgent need for MSMEs to have access to technology to replace outdated packaging design, tools, and equipment.
University Advancement Office Director Marco Polo also cited the Philippines’ big leap in the Global Innovation Index as it rose to the 50th rank among 131 countries. The consistent progress of the Philippines is evident in the four notches jump from being in 54th place in 2019 and 23 steps growth from 73rd place in 2018.
With a steady implementation of SSF projects like InnoLabs, MSMEs are expected to engage in more revolutionary projects, taking advantage of the lab’s free access and advanced technological capabilities, and contributing to the consistent performance of the country in terms of innovation.♦
Date of Release: 22 April 2021