BALANGA CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), has launched the Shared Service Facility Fabrication Laboratory (SSF FabLab) at the BPSU Main Campus in Balanga City.
DTI Regional Director Edna Dizon announced that the agency allocated P13.5 million for the project’s equipment, while BPSU provided the necessary facilities, including power, working capital, and personnel, to support the initiative.
“The SSF project aims to address gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industry clusters. It also offers an integrated package of services, including enhanced marketing strategies tailored to the maturity of MSMEs and their target markets, while fostering the growth of priority and market-driven industries,” Dizon said.
She expressed optimism that the SSF would effectively support MSMEs, nurture startups, and drive product innovation.
BPSU President Ruby Santos-Matibag pledged the university’s commitment to ensuring the success of this collaboration.
“I have full confidence in our BPSU team, with Sir John Ryan Dizon leading the project. We deeply appreciate DTI’s continuous support, and we wholeheartedly accept the challenge of making this project a success. We will also welcome future collaborations without hesitation,” she stated.
Santos-Matibag reaffirmed the university’s dedication to providing MSMEs, startups, and the healthcare industry with access to product research and development.
Project Leader John Ryan Dizon outlined the initiative’s vision, aiming to establish one of the Philippines’ most advanced digital fabrication, packaging, and labeling facilities by 2030.
“Our mission is for BPSU FabLab to support MSMEs, startups, and the healthcare industry in product research and development, prototyping, packaging, and labeling,” he explained.
He also revealed that the FabLab will be named BPSU SIKLAB FabLab, with “SIKLAB” standing for Sentro ng Sining, Inobasyon, Kultura, at Likhaing Agham ng Bataan.
“Siklab, or ‘Spark,’ symbolizes our commitment to igniting innovation. Regardless of industry or current capabilities, we will provide the necessary spark and work together with our community partners and agencies to ensure success and prosperity,” he added.
Equipped with advanced machinery—including 3D printers, 3D technologies for medical applications, various printing equipment, and tools for packaging and product development—the FabLab reinforces DTI and BPSU’s shared commitment to enhancing productivity, innovation, and competitiveness, particularly among local enterprises. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
