BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA
TAGBILARAN CITY, May 2 (PIA)—The first and only modern prototyping facility in the Philippines was inaugurated in Bohol today.
No less than President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III led the inauguration of P9.15M Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) within the campus of the state owned Bohol Islands State University (BISU) in Tagbilaran City.
The Bohol FabLab is a joint project between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), BISU and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“Pag mayroon kayong idea ng produkto, ipasok nyo yan dito sa FabLab at magagawa yan,” Aquino said.
He said that although he is not so knowledgeable with the technicalities of the facility, he is very sure it will compensate the creativity of the Boholanos when it comes to coming up with new and improvised world quality products.
He said this will initially benefit 35 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) in the province.
He said the Fablab will improve the Boholanos competitiveness in the creative industry sector and support its long term viability by providing the necessary tools and equipment to do the rapid prototyping and modeling.
“Kaya todo kayod ang ating DTI sa pagsuporta ng ating MSME’s. Patuloy tayong mamumuhunan sa pag uunlad ng ating mga induustriya at sa kakayahan ng ating mga tao,” the President said.
Aquino made a tour in the facility prior to the program.
He was impressed upon seeing the equipment and knowing their respective functions.
Some of the equipment found in the FabLab are the print and cut machine, 3D printer, computer operated sewing and embroidery machine, video conferencing equipment, test equipment depot and other small tools and equipment.
Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto said Bohol’s economy had recovered by 80 percent since the earthquake last year.
The FabLab, Chatto said, will further speed up the province’s aim for total rehabilitation.
“We are looking forward of the promise after the launching and the inclusive growth it gives to Bohol,” Chatto said.
Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnel Yap, on the other hand, said he is thankful that Bohol was chosen as the nucleus of technology.
The FabLab operation will be under the mentoring and guidance of Keio University in Japan and will be administered by BISU.
Immediately after the launching, a conference was held with all the other FabLab operators worldwide.
DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo was with Aquino during the launching.
After the event, Domingo proceeded to the Municipality of Tubigon where another SSF was launched, this time the machines for the raffia loom-weaving industry.
Today was the fifth visit of Aquino after the earthquake in October last year. (RMN/ FCC/PIA Cebu)