JICA funds FabLab for Bohol SMEs

MANILA, Philippines - Some 135 manufacturers from Bohol stand to benefit from a fabrication laboratory project, the first of its kind in the Philippines, that is being funded by the Japanese government.

The fabrication laboratory (FabLab) would implement a computer-based innovation, design, and fabrication workshop. It will allow local manufacturers to design and make almost anything through an “open” source software.

Bohol’s creative industry sector, including its handicrafts and processed food sectors, generate roughly P23 million in sales annually and employ 2,160 workers.

The FabLab project is a joint effort spearheaded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Bohol Island State University (BISU).

JICA tapped experts and volunteers under its Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer Program (JOCV) to assist local manufacturers in designing their products.

Senior trade and industry development specialist Blair Panong said that the project is part of government’s strategic initiative.

“We have institutionalized FabLab with help from JICA and DOST to promote innovation as a driver of economic development,” Panong said.

Bohol manufacturers have had problems executing their designs. Most designs are done by sketching, leading to a product prototype that is defective.

“Thus, design ideas are usually not executed properly,” the trade official added.

JICA said in a report that the FabLab would help enhance Bohol product’s marketability. Manufacturers would update their designs or enhance their product’s packaging, and they would be able to sustain a long-term competitive advantage in the world market.

The creative industry, according to a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, is expected to contribute 11 percent of world output by 2015.

With the new technology, Bohol manufacturers could make prototypes of their designs faster, create scale models, illustrate graphic designs, combine local materials, and even mass-produce products.

So far, local manufacturers involved with the FabLab are already experimenting by combining raffia with up-cycled plastic and the result was a brand new material that is stronger than the natural materials.

Earlier this year, the Philippine FabLab team visited the FabLab in Indonesia to learn best practices from actual operations.

The purchase of specific equipment and tools like laser cutters, big and small milling machines, 3D printer, test equipment, print and cut machine, scroll saw, embroidery machines, and LED TV for video conferencing, among others, are already underway for the Philippines.