DUMAGUETE CITY: A multi-million pesos fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab) collaboration of the Silliman University (SU) here and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Oriental is seen to benefit students and small businesses alike. Dubbed Sinergy Fab Lab, the digital laboratory is the first project in Negros Oriental under the DTI’s Shared Services Facility program where a private academic institution has been given funding after the revision of the SSF guidelines this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson Krystle Jade Bato noted that previously, the private sector was not eligible for the SSF program. The Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete City was the first in the province to receive the SSF grant for a Fab Lab last year. The Fab Lab represents a collaboration among academia, industry, and government, where design ideas are transformed into tangible products through digital technology, enabling small businesses to enhance their market competitivene
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Anton Gabila, DTI-Negros Oriental’s senior trade-industry development specialist and program manager for Creatives, Startups, and Digital Strategies, stated that the DTI has allocated PHP 3.2 million for equipment. The SU counterpart includes the facility, building, and staff, among other things. “The project is undertaken through SU’s Technology Business Incubator where the technical aspect and the business aspect are fused,” Gabila explained.

The DTI-Negros Oriental has already delivered the equipment for the Sinergy Lab, including Bambulab P1P 3D printers, Einscan 3D scanner, Vacuum Forming Machine, Voltera PCB printer for printing circuit boards, and a print and cut machine for printing labels and stickers. MSMEs can avail of the facility’s services, such as designing logos and stickers for their businesses, at a reduced cost of up to 30 percent, Gabila mentioned.

Additionally, the Fab Lab will serve educational purposes, providing instruction for elective subjects on engineering, industrial, and p
roduct design. The official launch and signing of the memorandum of agreement between SU, Sinergy Fab Lab, Sinergy TBI, and the DTI is scheduled for Wednesday, following a recent test run of the machines. The first Fab Lab in Negros Oriental was established last year at the Negros Oriental State University, as mentioned by Bato.