President Benigno S. Aquino III led the launching and turn-over of the Bohol Fabrication Laboratory,the first of its kind in the Philippines, on May 2, 2014 at the Bohol Island State University. The shared service facility (SSF) will be run by the Bohol Island State University (BISU) to support technology-driven product innovation and prototyping.
The Bohol FabLab, located at the BISU, can perform the function of an incubator laboratory where designers and innovators can test out their ideas and make prototypes. Because it will also be plugged into the global fablab network, designers, innovators, start-ups can avail of coaching and mentoring services (for free) from other more advanced FabLab sites in the world.
The Bohol FaLab is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Bohol Island State University (BISU) and with support from the Provincial Government of Bohol and the Local Government of Tagbilaran City.
The DTI also turned-over the Tubigon Loomweavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TLMPC) shared service facility at Pinayagan Norte, Tubigon, Bohol. The project is a recipient of P3-million DTI SSF funds that are used to purchase 15 units upright handlooms, accessories and laboratory equipment. This is part of DTI’s support to help improve the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).