THE Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7, has launched the region’s first Artificial Intelligence Fabrication Laboratory (AI FabLab) under the DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program.
Launched on Thursday, May 8, 2025, and supported with a P4,979,000 investment from the DTI-SSF program, the CIT-U AI FabLab combines artificial intelligence and digital fabrication to drive regional innovation and promote inclusive development.
The CIT-U AI FabLab is the eighth fabrication laboratory established in Cebu but stands out as the first in the region to integrate artificial intelligence into its digital prototyping services.
Expanding on the existing network of FabLabs — including the Tesda FabLab — the new facility provides students, entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access to advanced equipment. This includes a desktop CNC milling machine, fiber laser metal engraver and cutter, 3D printer, UV printer, CO2 laser cutter and a robotic arm equipped with AI and Internet of Things capabilities.
Esperanza Melgar, acting DTI 7 director, highlighted the FabLab’s launch as a landmark SSF initiative, particularly as it is hosted within a private, non-sectarian academic institution — made possible by revised SSF guidelines. She emphasized AI as a strategic emerging technology and reaffirmed DTI’s commitment to advancing digital innovation and strengthening local technological capacity.
The DTI’s SSF program aims to boost the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs by improving access to essential technologies and innovations. The program provides machinery, tools and technical expertise to improve product quality, expand market reach and create job opportunities.
CIT-U president Bernard Nicolas Villamor, an engineer, expressed deep gratitude to the DTI for supporting the university’s long-held vision of establishing a fabrication laboratory. He noted that previous SSF guidelines excluded private, non-sectarian educational institutions, but policy revisions enabled CIT-U to formalize a partnership with DTI. This led to the creation of an AI-powered FabLab focused on driving research, encouraging innovation and developing vital local capacities.
Services, AI training programs
The AI FabLab offers a wide array of services, including AI training programs, expert design consultation, precision laser cutting, advanced CNC engraving, custom T-shirt printing and versatile large-format and 3D printing capabilities.
It also provides AI-powered solutions to enhance education, streamline business operations and accelerate innovation across various sectors. By catering to the needs of MSMEs, students and startups, the FabLab is set to become a key creative hub for rapid prototyping and product development.
Chris Jordan Aliac, CIT-U Makerspace manager, emphasized the lab’s importance in addressing the region’s growing demand for advanced prototyping services.
“With these technologies now available in Cebu, clients no longer need to look elsewhere,” he said. “The AI FabLab empowers local talent and enterprises to stay competitive in a fast-changing market.” / KOC