BukSU, DTI Launch the First Fabrication Laboratory in Bukidnon

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 officially launched the Advancing Research and Technological Innovation Fabrication Laboratory (ARTIFAB LAB) in Bukidnon on July 23, 2024.

The facilities will operate as a fabrication laboratory with equipment such as a Direct-to-Garment Digital Printer for creating high-quality, full-color prints on textiles; a Flatbed UV Printer capable of printing designs directly onto accessories, giftware, ceramics, and other products; a Marketbot Sketch for producing 3-dimensional designs; and a Digital Embroidery Machine.

“The ARTIFAB LAB in Bukidnon will extend its assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for the production of their design prototypes, potential entrepreneurs and startup businesses, and even members of the academe including the students, faculty, and researchers,” DTI-10 Assistant Regional Director Almer A. Masillones said.

Situated on the main campus of Bukidnon State University, the P4.6 million project is expected to assist more than 300 beneficiaries and increase sales by 10% over the next two years.

“We believe that BukSU will contribute to regional development by dedicating its efforts to technological advancement and innovation,” Masillones added.

“This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to our university’s unwavering commitment to advancing technological education and innovation in the community. The DTI has generously granted this initiative as part of its Shared Service Facilities (SSF) initiative, and BukSU is immensely grateful for this support,” SMART BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol said.

“The ARTIFAB LAB is not just a facility; it represents a gateway of opportunity and growth for our students, faculty, and the broader community. Equipped with advanced machinery and tools, this lab will serve as a hub for innovation, allowing us to transform ideas into tangible realities and drive the frontiers of research and technological advancement,” Mirasol added.

Representatives from the local government units of the province of Bukidnon and the local government unit of Malaybalay City witnessed the event and delivered their message of support.

“The province of Bukidnon can assure you that we will patronize your products,” said Ms. Jennica Modequillo, who represented Bukidnon’s governor.

“On behalf of the City Mayor, we congratulate BukSU because you are true to your mission: educate, innovate, and lead. We will continue to partner with BukSU in the pursuit of this mission,” Malaybalay City Mayor Representative Atty. Mitchell Talatala shared.

Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations (VRPEI), Dr. Carina Joanne V. Barroso, extended her gratitude and expressed a promise to deliver what it pursues.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our university president, Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, whose visionary leadership as the former VPREI paved the way for this endeavor. This project is the brainchild of our president. Her foresight about a SMART University that serves the community has been a guiding light for us. I am honored to continue her legacy as VPREI,” Barroso said.

“DTI made the right choice in partnering with us, knowing that once BukSU commits, we deliver and accomplish our targets,” she added.

Since 2013, DTI-10 has allotted P189.9 million for its SSF program, resulting in the establishment of 225 facilities in the region. These facilities have assisted 2,199 MSMEs, generated 5,238 jobs, and yielded sales of P219.4 million as of December 2023. (BukSU-Information Unit) (with reports from: Jayrold Baguio and Robert Peñafiel)