Bohol Island State University, Tagbilaran City, Bohol 2 May 2014
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the launching of the Bohol Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project at the Bohol Island State University in Tagbilaran City.
According to President Aquino, his visit aims to lay down programs that will push for Bohol’s development and the FabLab SSF Project is one part of the government’s strategic plan to strengthen the micro, small, and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) through the advance technology being offered by the project. He expects 135 MSMEs in Bohol will directly benefit from its modern equipment like the laser cutter, computer numerical controlled milling machines, print and cut machine, desktop 3D printer and video conferencing facilities.
“Ang hangad po natin: itaguyod and probinsya ninyo na mas masigla, mas maunlad, at mas hitik ang pagkakataon kaysa noong bago pa ang lindol,” he said.
President Aquino also stated that ‘job-skills mismatch’ is now being addressed to solve unemployment. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is providing enhanced skills training for graduates to best prepare them in their respective field of choice.
“Makakaasa po kayong palalakasin pa ng inyong gobyerno ang mga institusyon upang lalong mapaigting ang ating mga serbisyo. Patuloy tayong mamumuhunan sa pagpapaunlad ng mga industriya at sa kakayahan ng ating mga mamamayan,” he added.
The Bohol FabLab SSF Project is the first in the Philippines. It was built under the cooperation and funding of operations from the Department of Trade and Industry (P3.15 million), Department of Science and Technology (P1 million/year for three years), Bohol Island State University (P2 million) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (P3 million).
The occasion kicks off the FabLab Asia Network (Fan1) Boot Camp and Conference that will be held from May 3-6, 2014.
Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singson, BISU President Dr. Elpidio Magante, JICA Chief Representative Noriaki Niwa, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, and Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap were also present during the event.
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