SU unveils new fab lab to drive innovation and entrepreneurship

A student peeks into the newest 3D printers displayed for the SINERGY fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab) at the Dr. Mariano and Lina Lao Activity Center.

Silliman University (SU), through the SINERGY TBI, launched its SINERGY fabrication laboratory (Fab Lab) at the Dr. Mariano and Lina Lao Activity Center on November 6, 2024.

The SINERGY Fab Lab, a shared service facility under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) program, is designed to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing prototypes while fostering innovation among students and local entrepreneurs. By integrating the Fab Lab into the university’s curriculum and community outreach programs, it serves as a hub for creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial growth in the region.

According to Asst. Prof. Janice Antoniette V. Forster, manager of SINERGY TBI and Fab Lab, the new facility is envisioned to be “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.”

Among its core values are innovation by supporting cutting-edge research and the development of transformative solutions; creativity by offering space and resources for individuals to explore and realize their creative potential; collaboration by promoting partnerships across disciplines and sectors to enhance learning and accelerate innovation; entrepreneurship by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic progress and personal growth; empowerment by equipping the community with the foundational skills and tools needed to realize their full potential; and accessibility by making the facilities and programs available to all.

The SINERGY Fab Lab is equipped with up-to-date equipment including 3D printers, laser printer and engraver, printed circuit board (PCB) maker, vacuum forming machine, 3D desktop scanner, embroidery machine, and print and cut machine.

Members of the SU administration with representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Energy Development Corporation, Asian College, and Metro Dumaguete College pose after the event.

SU stands as the first private institution in the Negros Island Region to receive a Fab Lab grant from DTI. Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel L. Villordon, interim assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and concurrent dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said in her welcome address that SU’s partnership with DTI reflects a shared commitment: “Together with DTI, we foster an enabling environment for private sector development, strengthening the institutional capacity of our local government units to support entrepreneurship.”

Villordon noted the potential contribution of the facility. “Our hope is that through the SINERGY Lab, we will witness new ideas to emerge, collaborative ventures to take form, and transformative projects that serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development both in the school setting and in the communities,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II, interim executive director for Research, Innovation, and Publication, emphasized in his closing remarks the transformative potential of Fab Labs to offer access to the environment, skills, materials, and advanced technology needed to create virtually anything. However, he urged the new facility to align its goals with the pressing challenges of the 21st century.

“Our goals should be rooted in addressing the critical environmental threats of the 21st century, including global warming and its related crises, plastic pollution and microplastics, and both surface and groundwater pollution. Additionally, they should be guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and Silliman University’s timeless vision: ‘Via, Veritas, Vita – The Way, The Truth, and The Life,’” Guino-o stated.

Engr. Cary Flores, DICT Siquijor provincial head; Engr. Klint Ian V. Austero (back), SU TBI Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) specialist; Atty. Gilbert Arbon, DOST provincial director; Edward Du, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry president; Maribel Sumanoy, DTI representative; Nimfa Virtucio, DTI Negros Oriental provincial director; Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel L. Villordon, interim assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and concurrent dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Asst. Prof. Janice Antoniette V. Forster, SYNERGY TBI and Fab Lab manager; Rev. Jonathan R. Pia, SU church senior minister; Dr. Suzanne Lu-Bascara, ICT Dumaguete/Inspiro president; Rev. Mark B. Augusto, SU Church associate minister-Campus Chaplaincy; and Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., Office of Media and Public Affairs chief, pose before the cutting of the ribbon.

The official launch was preceded by a dedication service and blessing ceremony led by Rev. Jonathan R. Pia, Senior Minister; and Rev. Mark B. Augusto, Associate Minister – Campus Chaplaincy.

It also included a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between SU and DTI.

The launch was attended by key representatives, including Ms. Nimfa Virtucio, Provincial Director of DTI Negros Oriental; Mr. Edward Du, President of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and delegates from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Energy Development Corporation, Asian College, and Metro Dumaguete College.

Also in attendance were personalities from SU including Dr. Warlito S. Caturay Jr., chief of Media and Public Affairs, who served as emcee; Dr. Theresa A. Guino-o, dean of the College of Nursing; Asst. Prof. Joy M. Dy, dean of the College of Computer Studies; Dr. Lily Ann D. Bautista, director of the Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences; Viernine Mae F. Barrera, faculty member of SU Elementary School; Russel Rhay Basiao, staff member of Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center; and Rania C. Minalang, representative of the SU Student Government Research Committee.

(Photos by the Silliman University Camera Club)