DTI VI, ISAT U open first fabrication laboratory in WV

DTI VI Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon and ISAT-U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong ink the Memorandum of Agreement and Usufruct Agreement between the DTI VI and the ISAT U during the turnover of the Iloilo Center for Design, Prototyping and Modeling (FabLab) Equipment at the ISAT-U Research Hub on December 21, 2018. (standing, from left) DTI VI Asst. Regional Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes, ISAT-U DTI FABLAB Officer-in-Charge Engr. Ramon Alguidano Jr., DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr., ISAT U Planning and Development and Auxiliary Services Director Dr. Russ Allen B. Napud, ISAT U VP for Administration and Finance Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., and Research Services Division Director Dr. Richard C. de Leon.

With its strategic location and accessibility to entrepreneurs and the proactive approach of the management to house the facility, prompted the DTI VI to put up the first Fabrication Laboratory in Region VI at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U).

On December 21, DTI VI Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon and ISAT U President D. Raul F. Muyong ink the Memorandum of Agreement and Usufruct Agreement between the DTI VI and the ISAT U during the turnover of the Iloilo Center for Design, Prototyping and Modeling (FabLab) Equipment, a Shared Service Facility, at the ISAT-U Research Hub

“The facilities can assist our small and medium enterprises. It can assist in our innovation initiatives,” Muyong said. He added that innovation and technology is part of the university’s vision and mission in helping the community.

Muyong expressed gratitude that the DTI VI chose ISAT-U as the cooperator of the FabLab facility.

“This is a big advantage for us. This is the first fabrication laboratory in Western Visayas. It is very relevant since we offer engineering design. This will also help in promoting our research initiatives,” he said.

Director Rascon said that the facility was put up at the ISAT-U “because of its accessibility and the full support of the management. When I first talk to Dr. Muyong, I saw his interest and the energy and the drive of Dr. Carmelo B. Ambut enhanced the qualification of ISAT-U as cooperator.”

Dr. Ambut is ISAT-U’s vice president for research and extension.

“The responsibility that they gave to the next in rank in manning the project will pave the way for the sustainability of the facility,” she added.

Director Rascon said that not only the students will benefit from the facility but also the micro, small and medium enterprises, who will further avail of the services of ISAT-U.

The DTI VI provided the machineries and equipment for the Fabrication Laboratory which includes laser cutter, plasma cutter, wood router, embroidery machine, thermal former, large scale tarpaulin printer, and laptop housed at the ISAT U Research Hub Building.