CEBU CITY, Cebu, Sept 26, 2023 (PIA) -– The Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA) - Regional Training Center (RTC) 7 launched its Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at TESDA Innovation Center 7, Cebu City.
The DTI, thorugh its Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project brings the FabLab to TESDA.
Previously, FabLabs in Cebu are found in Cebu universities: University of Philippines - Cebu, Cebu Institute of Technology - Cebu, Cebu Technological University - Danao Campus, Cebu Technological University - Argao Branch, Cebu Technological University - Tuburan.
TESDA RTC 7 houses the fifth FabLab.
Two DigiFabLabs or also called mini fablab are also found in Bogo and Carmen.
In this project with TESDA, DTI Regional Director Maria Elena Arbon discloses that this is a P11.7 million investment for the TESDA RTC 7 facility alone.
The investment aims to introduce technological advances and support entrepreneurship and the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Although the facility will be open for the public, TESDA RTC 7 prioritizes the SMEs.
Fablabs particularly aim to support local products.
DTI Regional Director Maria Elena Arbon shared that one of the sought after services is the sinamay fabric printing in the DigiFab in Carmen.
Putting up a FabLab within the city would help the nearby SMEs easily access the available services as the sinamay fabric printing that is yet to be availed in Carmen.
FabLab equipment includes a 3D scanner, 3D printer, large format printer, UV-flatbed printer, 3D milling machine, computer numerical control (CNC) router, laser cutter/engraver, and large format printer.
These equipment are the tools and resources necessary for the businesses to prototype and manufacture prototypes.
With these present in the training center, TESDA FabLab could later provide an avenue for technical training and education programs to enhance technological literacy and technical skills among individuals.
DTI RD Arbon said, “This can be for makers who have ideas in their head that they want to realize.”
A joint MOA and usufruct agreement signing happened to conclude the event and officially open the facility.
DTI Cebu Provincial Director Rose Mae M. Quinanola, Regional Director Maria Elena C. Arbon, DTI - Regional Operations Group (ROG) Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona, TESDA Region 7 Regional Director, TESDA RTC Chief TESD Specialist Wilkie E. Reroma, and Region 7 Regional Operations Division Chief Jocelyn V. Cabahug signed the MOA. (JAT/PIA-7 Cebu)
