MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao Oriental Provincial Office, in partnership with the Davao Oriental State University (DORSU), has officially launched the Shared Service Facility (SSF) on MAterials DEvelopment and INnovation in DAvao Oriental Fabrication LAboratory (MADE in DAVLAB): A Regenerative Path for Birthing Innovation Ideas on March 5 at the URESCOM Building, Marfori, Don Enrique Lopez, this cityl.
This fabrication laboratory (fablab) aims to enhance the competitive advantage of the SSF cooperators by improving their business operations, thereby, hitting lucrative sales, generating employment, and cornering investment while promoting innovation.
The P10 million project includes machinery and equipment, such as a plastic shredder with an integrated granulator, filament maker, PCB 3D Printer, large format FDM 3D Pprinter, smart TV, professional portable speaker, power electric welding machine, large format pellet 3D printer, and CNC plasma machine. It is seen to address the critical need for advanced fabrication facilities that allow micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop new product designs, create prototypes, and upgrade packaging and labeling.
DTI Davao Oriental Provincial Director Ma. Joycelyn F. Banlasan highlighted the importance of embracing technological advancement toward industry competitiveness.
“This is the first of its kind in the province of Davao Oriental. The MADE IN DAVLAB Project will not only be a center for creativity, prototyping, and product innovation but also will empower MSMEs, students, and industry partners to explore new frontiers in design and fabrication. It is more just a facility, it is a symbol of progress and collaboration among government agencies, the business sector, academe, and the media - the pentahelix approach,” she said.
In the meantime, DORSU president Dr. Roy G. Ponce noted that the project is a vision of DORSU which has finally been brought to life. He also emphasized that the MADE in FABLAB project is critical in Davao Oriental’s industry development.
“With this fablab, we envision to create a program and invite artisans in Mati so that they can explore the modern technology and enhance their skills; this is the vision of the shared facility. I am really happy because this is our dream,” he said.
DTI 11 has already established 294 SSF projects throughout Davao region since 2013. In 2024, P36 million worth of SSF projects were allocated for the region wherein P10 million was for DORSU’s MADE IN DAVLAB.
DTI 11 Regional Director Romeo L. Castañaga underscored the agency’s commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation and the project’s alignment with the sustainable goals.
“We affirm our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. The SSF project plays a vital role in the university’s research center in enhancing human capital and developing materials that are locally sourced which is regenerative. This also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. It is not just opening physical facilities but also unlocking limitless possibilities through advocating the penta helix approach towards a shared vision of innovation and inclusive growth,” the regional trade chiefe said.
The MADE IN DAVLAB is for the people of Davao Oriental and not exclusive to DORSU’s use. With easier access to this technology, MSMEs, students, the business sector and the constituents can have the tools to turn their ideas into reality. The initiative then contributes to the economic growth of the province.
For more information about DTI Davao Oriental and its services, you may visit the DTI Davao Oriental Provincial Office or contact us through our Facebook page, telephone numbers: (087) 388-3735/ (087) 811-7180, or email: r11.davaooriental@dti.gov.ph. PR