Aklan launches P18.5-M FabLab to boost innovation, competitiveness

By Sheila Patoza

KALIBO, Aklan (PIA)—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Aklan and Aklan State University, has launched the P18.5-million Shared Service Facility Fabrication Laboratory (SSFabLab) in ASU Kalibo Campus.

The inauguration of the Aklan Innovators Hub FabLab, according to DTI, was a landmark event that marked a significant step in fostering innovation, research, and technological advancement in the province of Aklan.

The hub will be a space for research and development, inventors, start-ups, and students that will enable them to turn their ideas into tangible outputs.

DTI Western Visayas Regional Director Rachel N. Nufable said that since it [SSF-FabLab] started in 2013, the region now has four FabLab, of which, the fourth one is in Aklan.

Nufable said that the project aims to address innovation gaps that will make micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) competitive in the local and international markets.

“The intention here is for the MSMEs to innovate, develop new products, or improve the existing ones, especially Aklan leading the piña weaving industry- there’s so much to be done to further improve this sector. There are big and dynamic market demands,” noted Nufable.

Nufable added that the facility can be used by students, researchers, industry players, and MSMEs who want not just to develop prototypes but even in the mass production of their products.

Meanwhile, DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Romel Amihan expressed gratitude for the strong partnership that produced the P18.5-million FabLab.

The P12.5 million came from the provincial government for the structure, while the P6 million contributed by DTI were used for the procurement of five equipment which includes large format printers with cutter, computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutting machine, CNC routers, digital embroidering machine with 15-needle auto threading, and SLA 3D Printer.

“The capabilities of the equipment are expected to boost product development, design innovation and ultimately competitiveness among local industries and clusters,” Amihan said.

Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores committed to continued support for the project and will even extend additional funding if necessary to ensure the smooth and efficient operation.

“Do FabLab, daya guid nakikita naton nga need iya, not just only by the businesses but by the future generation,” Miraflores said, who also expressed optimism for the success of the FabLab.

(We see this FabLab as a necessity, not only for the businesses but for the future generation.)

The ASU, on the other hand, will shoulder the operational cost of about P1.8 million for the sustainability of the project, which includes the manpower to operate the FabLab.

ASU President Jeffrey A. Clarin ensured the smooth and sustainable implementation and operation of the facility.