Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) officers led by President Edward Du graced and attended the Grand Launching and Opening of the first private FabLab in Silliman University. President Edward Du was also the Keynote Speaker in said event.
NOCCI Champions Innovation at Launch of SINERGY Fab Lab in Silliman University
On November 6, 2024, the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, joined the celebration of a milestone event—the grand opening of the first private fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab) in Negros Oriental. Hosted at the Dr. Mariano and Lina Lao Activity Center within Silliman University, the SINERGY Fab Lab was inaugurated with great enthusiasm as a cornerstone for innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the region.
President Edward Du, the event’s keynote speaker, emphasized the transformative potential of the facility, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), students, and local entrepreneurs. As a shared service facility under the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) program, the SINERGY Fab Lab is designed to empower users by providing the tools and resources to develop prototypes, foster creativity, and support sustainable economic progress.
SINERGY Fab Lab: A Catalyst for Growth
The SINERGY Fab Lab is much more than a state-of-the-art workspace. It embodies a vision of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment, making it a dynamic hub for addressing real-world challenges.
Asst. Prof. Janice Antoniette V. Forster, manager of the SINERGY Technology Business Incubator (TBI) and Fab Lab, described the facility as “a dynamic innovation hub where creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship unite to transform ideas into impactful realities, thereby creating opportunities that uplift lives and drive societal advancement.”
By integrating the Fab Lab into Silliman University’s curriculum and outreach programs, the initiative ensures accessibility to students and the wider community, cultivating a culture of innovative problem-solving and entrepreneurial resilience.
Cutting-Edge Facilities for Creative Problem-Solving
Equipped with advanced technology, the Fab Lab provides an environment conducive to turning visionary ideas into tangible outcomes. Among its key resources are:
- 3D Printers for rapid prototyping and design experimentation.
- Laser Printer and Engraver for precise cutting and etching.
- Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Maker to support electronic innovations.
- Vacuum Forming Machine for mold and model creation.
- 3D Desktop Scanner to digitize physical objects for further refinement.
- Embroidery Machine for personalized textile projects.
- Print and Cut Machine for versatile media applications.
These tools enable MSMEs, students, and local entrepreneurs to explore, test, and refine their ideas with the highest degree of precision and efficiency.
Core Values Driving SINERGY Fab Lab
At the heart of the SINERGY Fab Lab are six core values that define its mission:
- Innovation: Supporting cutting-edge research and transformative solutions.
- Creativity: Encouraging individuals to realize their creative potential.
- Collaboration: Promoting interdisciplinary partnerships to enhance learning.
- Entrepreneurship: Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that drives economic growth.
- Empowerment: Equipping the community with the skills and tools to thrive.
- Accessibility: Ensuring programs and resources are available to everyone.
These principles reflect a commitment to inclusivity and a vision of shared prosperity, ensuring the Fab Lab is a resource for all sectors of society.
NOCCI’s Role in Advancing Innovation
NOCCI has long been an advocate for initiatives that drive economic progress and community development. President Du reiterated NOCCI’s commitment to supporting programs like the SINERGY Fab Lab that align with its mission to empower businesses and individuals.
During his keynote speech, Du highlighted the critical role of innovation in modern economic ecosystems. “The SINERGY Fab Lab is a game-changer for Negros Oriental,” Du remarked. “It provides the tools and environment needed to turn creative ideas into impactful solutions, empowering our MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs to compete in a rapidly evolving global market.”
Empowering MSMEs and Entrepreneurs
The Fab Lab’s integration with the Department of Trade and Industry’s shared service facility program underscores its role in enabling MSMEs to bridge technological gaps. Entrepreneurs can use the lab to develop prototypes, reduce production costs, and enhance product quality. This accessibility helps local businesses remain competitive and responsive to market demands.
Furthermore, students and community members gain exposure to advanced technology and entrepreneurial practices, ensuring they are equipped to meet future challenges with confidence and competence.
Looking Ahead
The successful launch of the SINERGY Fab Lab signals the start of a new era for Negros Oriental. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the facility is expected to generate far-reaching benefits, including job creation, enhanced educational opportunities, and economic growth.
As NOCCI continues to support initiatives like this, the organization solidifies its role as a catalyst for progress in the region. President Du encouraged stakeholders to harness the full potential of the Fab Lab, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, and private sector partners.
A Bright Future for Negros Oriental
The SINERGY Fab Lab is more than a facility; it is a symbol of what can be achieved when vision, innovation, and collaboration converge. With NOCCI’s unwavering support and the proactive engagement of local stakeholders, the Fab Lab promises to drive the region’s growth and inspire a new generation of innovators.
As the ribbon was cut at the Dr. Mariano and Lina Lao Activity Center, it marked not just an opening, but the beginning of countless possibilities for Negros Oriental’s journey toward progress and innovation.
