(Officials led by DTI Assistant Secretary Blesila A. Lantayona (3rd from L), DHVSU President Enrique G. Baking (center), DTI-3 RD Judith P. Angeles (2nd L), DOST-3 ARD Wilfredo Sibal (4th from R), DTI Pampanga OIC PD Len Ordonio, DOST Pampanga Provincial Director Michelle Quiambao (2nd R) and DHVSU Vice President Ranie Canlas officially launch the Shared Service Facility for Fabrication Laboratory at the DHVSU Research and Training Extenstion Center.)
“Modern equipment for the maximum utilization of MSMEs,” this was the hope of DTI Assistant Secretary Blesila A. Lantayona as she led the launching of the Upgraded Fabrication Laboratory at the Research and Extension Services Innovation Center of the Don Honorio Ventura State University.
Dr. Enrique G. Baking, University President, profusely thanked DTI as he emphasized the importance of partnership, networking and collaboration in fully utilizing the Fabrication Laboratory equipment provided by DTI. He mentioned that the University has the venue and competent personnel to maintain the Fablab facility, and that he is looking forward to seeing the equipment being used by the intended clients – the micro, small enterprises of Pampanga and Central Luzon.
Regional Director Judith P. Angeles, in her message, briefed the attendees on how the Fabrication Laboratory concept came to the country and how it was implemented. She noted that Pampanga is fortunate in having not only one but two Fablab facilities under the auspices of educational institutions like the DHVSU. For her part Assistant Secretary Lantayona noted that while the Fablab are still way behind other developed countries’ Fablabs, DTI in partnership with national agencies and state universities are making progress in enhancing their facilities for the use of MSMEs.
Citing Fablabs in China, Asec. Lantayona also cited the importance of benchmarking and networking with the International Network of Fablabs to enable our local Fablab users to learn from best practices. DOST-3 Assistant Regional Director Wilfredo Sibal also gave a message of support to the project and cited the SET-UP program of DOST. He also informed the attendees that their Agency is always ready to support the Fablab project of DTI and the innovation centers of educational institutions through technical assistance.
Two technology fora with one-on-one consultations were also held by DOST-FPRDI and ITDI on Wood and Bamboo Processing and on Use of Appropriate Packaging for Non-Food MSMEs.
