To optimize and empower the productivity and efficiency of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by equipping them with better access to machinery, equipment, expertise, and trainings under a shared system, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), represented by Ms. Lourdes D. Pancho (Provincial Director, DTI-SPO) and the DTI Sorsogon team, formally led the ceremonial turnover of Flatbed Cutting to Sorsogon People’s Initiative to Leverage Fabrication Laboratory (PILI FabLab), hosted at the Sorsogon State University (SorSU), held on August 6, 2024, at the Sorsogon PILI FabLab, Sorsogon City Campus.
The ceremonial turnover commenced with a welcome address from Dr. Telesforo D. Escoto (Campus Director, Sorsogon City Campus), highlighting the academe’s appreciation to the DTI for its generous contribution. Campus Director Escoto remarked, “The additional equipment will undoubtedly empower the SorSU FabLab to further its mission of providing feasible and cutting-edge technology to the students, researchers, and even aspiring entrepreneurs.”
Likewise, Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Vice President for Research, Extension and Training), in his message, emphasized that SorSU is always delighted to engage in events such as turnover ceremonies as it is a means of expanding the institution’s services to the local community such as the Department of Trade and Industry and the MSMEs, not only here in the Province of Sorsogon but also the Bicol Region.
Moreover, Ms. Lourdes D. Pancho (Provincial Director, DTI-SPO) shared in her message that the equipment is designed to help and support MSMEs, students, faculty, researchers, and others who wish to access services from FabLab to increase productivity.
Meanwhile, SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, in her acceptance message, conveyed the university’s gratitude to the DTI, assuring that SorSU will not be the only one benefitting from the shared equipment but as well as the communities and stakeholders.
“The University is not just here to give quality education and serve our students, but also to serve all Sorsoganons. ‘Yan po ang aming mithiin.”
Ms. Maria Luz Medialdia (Business Development Division Chief, DTI-Sorsogon) delivered the closing message, expressing that the event signifies the commencement of continuous support to MSMEs — the start of ongoing collaboration and partnership.
The flatbed cutter, the turned-over SSF equipment, is suitable for applications in the offset/digital printing, display/packaging, and apparel/leather markets, providing solutions for short and medium runs of die cutting, prototyping, honeycomb furniture creation, and textile/cardboard pattern cutting (DTI Sorsogon). (SorSU PIO)
A symbolic turnover of the machine from the DTI to SorSU took place following a group photo opportunity between the two institutions bearing the signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project, dated July 11, 2024.
The ceremonial turnover was attended by local MSMEs, DTI officials & staff, SorSU key executives/personnel, and representatives from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Sorsogon. (SorSU PIO)
