The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Davao Oriental State University (DORSU), has opened the first packaging and labeling Shared Service Facility (SSF) to serve small enterprises in the province.
Known as MAterials DEvelopment and INnovation in DAvao Oriental Fabrication Laboratory or MADE in DAVLAB, this initiative, themed “A Regenerative Path for Birthing Innovation Ideas,” is located in Mati City was opened on March 5, 2025.
The fabrication laboratory (fablab) aims to enhance the competitive advantage of the SSF cooperators by improving their business operations. This, in turn, is expected to drive sales growth, generate employment opportunities, and attract investments through the promotion of innovation
DTI Davao Oriental Provincial Director Ma. Joycelyn F. Banlasan highlighted the importance of embracing technological advancement toward industry competitiveness.
“This is the first of its kind in the province of Davao Oriental. The MADE IN DAVLAB Project will not only be a center for creativity, prototyping, and product innovation but also will empower MSMEs, students, and industry partners to explore new frontiers in design and fabrication. It is more just a facility, it is a symbol of progress and collaboration among government agencies, the business sector, academe, and the media—the pentahelix approach,” she said.
The PHP 10 million project provides access to machinery and equipment, such as a plastic shredder with an integrated granulator, a filament maker, a PCB 3D printer, a large-format FDM 3D printer, a smart TV, a professional portable speaker, a power electric welding machine, a large-format pellet 3D printer, and a CNC plasma machine.
The facility addresses the critical need for advanced fabrication capabilities within the province to enable micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop new product designs, create prototypes, and upgrade their packaging and labeling.
DORSU President Dr. Roy G. Ponce noted that the project is a vision of DORSU which has finally come to life. He also emphasized that the MADE in DAVLAB project is critical in Davao Oriental’s industry development.
“With this fablab, we envision to create a program and invite artisans in Mati so that they can explore the modern technology and enhance their skills; this is the vision of the shared facility. I am really happy because this is our dream,” he said.
Since 2013, the DTI 11 has established 294 SSF projects across the Davao region. In 2024, PHP 36 million was allocated for regional SSF projects, with PHP 10 million dedicated to DORSU’s MADE IN DAVLAB.
DTI Region 11 Director Romeo L. Castañaga underscored the agency’s commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation and the project’s alignment with the sustainable goals.
“We affirm our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. The SSF project plays a vital role in the university’s research center in enhancing human capital and developing materials that are locally sourced which is regenerative. This also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. It is not just opening physical facilities but also unlocking limitless possibilities through advocating the penta helix approach towards a shared vision of innovation and inclusive growth,” said the regional trade chief.
The MADE IN DAVLAB is accessible to all residents of Davao Oriental not exclusive to DORSU’s use. With easier access to this technology, MSMEs, students, the business sector, and the constituents can have the tools to turn their ideas into reality. Ultimately, this contributes to the economic growth of the province.
