The Philippines is set to open a three-dimensional (3D) laboratory in Northern Mindanao, a government initiative aimed at supporting inventors, start-ups and small businesses through access to advanced manufacturing technologies.
The facility, known as the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen), will serve as the region’s hub for additive manufacturing.
It is funded and managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), in partnership with the Industrial Technology Development Institute.
Officials said the laboratory marks a milestone in the decentralisation of high-end technology, bringing tools previously concentrated in the capital within reach of local enterprises, academic institutions and communities.
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Expanding access to high-tech tools
AMCen will provide services including 3D printing, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering and materials research.
These capabilities are expected to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and student innovators develop new products more efficiently and at lower cost.
The centre’s applications extend beyond industrial production.
DOST said the laboratory will also support advancements in healthcare, agriculture and disaster preparedness by enabling the design and manufacture of specialised tools and components tailored to local needs.
By expanding access to such technologies, the government hopes to reduce reliance on imported equipment and encourage homegrown solutions.
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Innovation outside the capital
DOST officials described the establishment of AMCen in Northern Mindanao as part of a wider effort to distribute science and technology infrastructure across the country, reducing concentration in Metro Manila, the Philippine News Agency reported.
They said the presence of the laboratory in Cagayan de Oro will enable regional innovators and entrepreneurs to access resources that previously required travel to the capital or partnerships abroad.
The initiative is part of the government’s strategy to strengthen regional competitiveness while creating opportunities for collaboration between researchers, industries and local communities.
Towards a more resilient economy
Officials believe AMCen’s launch could accelerate the pace of product development in the region, allowing inventors and firms to test and refine designs more quickly.
By lowering production costs and turnaround times, the laboratory is expected to encourage greater experimentation and innovation.
DOST also highlighted the potential economic benefits of fostering a local ecosystem for advanced manufacturing.
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By equipping industries with the capacity to produce their own components, the government aims to build resilience against supply chain disruptions and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
AMCen’s establishment in Northern Mindanao, they added, reflects a long-term vision of using science and technology not only to advance industry but also to improve public services in health, food security and disaster response.
The laboratory is scheduled to begin operations soon, with services open to MSMEs, academic institutions and other stakeholders across the region.
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Hazel Camba 
Shameeka Voyiya 
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