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The Third Annual Philippine FabFestival is set for November 6th and 7th in Legazpi City, Albay, Bicol. Fablabs from around the island nation will gather to share their experiences, learn best practices and work together to solve some bottleneck issues. The two-day event will also give participants the chance to showcase innovative projects and provide co-create opportunities.
Field Ready’s Fiji Innovation Advisor Luke Johnston will be presenting Disaster Resiliency, Environmental Actions and Measures: Challenge to Fablabs. Which focuses on inviting Fablabs to play a vital role in the local response to disasters.
This year’s event is sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, Bicol Region, and Fablab Bicol of Bicol University. With the theme of Fablabs for Green Philippines; that will focus on how Fablabs can contribute to achieving some of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The year’s theme also comes with a design challenge for all Fablabs within the Philippines to participate in. The challenge, “Wear Green Live Green”, wherein participating labs submit their innovative ideas on wearable, environmentally sustainable products. Prizes will be awarded to winning teams that will be selected by a jury.
Experts in social innovation strategies will make what promises to be exciting presentations. Richard S. Abendan, Chief of Party, USAID STRIDE, will discuss the Role of FabLabs in the Regional Inclusive Innovation Centers in the Philippines. Followed by Director Maria Rita O. Matute of the Design Center of the Philippines, who will be highlighting the current government program Green Design and Philippine Digital Artisans. Additional presentations will be made by participating Fablabs with afternoon workshops on the basics of the digital fabrication equipment found in Fablabs for makers, students, and enthusiasts.
FabFest has been the avenue to strengthen the connections of all the Fablabs in the Philippines, by helping to maximize their social impact on the communities that they serve.
Field Ready, itself, is working to map all the Fablabs in the country to mobilize them in producing humanitarian aid supplies in the field.