PNoy Launches Bohol FabLab

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday launched the P9.15 million Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) Shared Service Facility at the Bohol Island State University (BISU) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The FabLab is a joint project of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and BISU.

The said agencies shared each of the total project cost of P9.15 million where DTI invested P3.25 million, DOST P1 million, JICA P3 million and BISU for P2 million.

President Aquino in his speech described the Bohol Fab-Lab as an important asset and the first of its kind in the country.

The president said it will help improve the competitiveness of the Boholano creative industry sector and support its long term viability by providing the necessary tools and equipment to do rapid prototyping and modeling.

He also added that the said Fablab seeks to develop a pool of designers in the province through the BISU system which can readily assist Boholanos who want to strive on designing.

The project helps in developing the local economy by providing better and more competitive products.

It also enhances the local Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem, encourages start-ups, develop entrepreneurs who create more jobs.

President Aquino also rallied all Boholanos to do more innovation for various equipment and machineries that can be used for manufacturing endeavors especially on food processing.

It also provides access to online courses within the FabLab network and enhances the learning and skills of students and MSMEs.

The FabLab has various equipment such as laser cutter that makes 2D and 3D structures, a high resolution milling machine that makes circuit boards and precision parts.

A CNC ShopBot for milling and 30 cutting and carving of wood and other materials, Roland MDX 40A Small CNC milling machine, Roland Versacam Print and cut equipment, triple head.

3D touch personal color 3D printer, scanner, projector, LED TV laptop and video conferencing equipment, sewing and embroidery machine, a sui or electronic equipment and programming tools for low-cost high-speed micro- controllers.

The Bohol FabLab is under the mentorship of Japan’s prestigious Keio University.

Image Credit: www.rappler.com