DUMAGUETE CITY: Environmental issues and concerns, along with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are being considered in the operation of a multi-million peso facility, the SINERGY Fab Lab, at Silliman University (SU) here, officials said Wednesday. The facility, funded with PHP3.2 million from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under its Shared Service Facility program, was officially launched on Wednesday at the Mariano and Linao Hall Activity Center. According to Philippines News Agency, Janice Forster, manager of the SINERGY Technology Business Incubator and Fab Lab, emphasized the importance of being conscious of the materials used for products and services, as well as responsible waste management. "The Fab Lab is under SU's technology business incubator as a support facility for our start-ups and our research engagements, and we are making sure that it answers to the SDGs and the needs of the community," Forster stated. However, she noted that not all goals may be addressed immediately. F orster further explained that the Fab Lab aligns its initiatives with the mission and vision of the university, which prioritizes environmental practices. The facility plans to determine proper waste disposal methods while mapping out sustainable practices that adhere to the three Rs of responsible waste management: reduce, reuse, and recycle. She also expressed confidence that their suppliers comply with government standards, and assured that environmental considerations will be integrated into their training programs. Dr. Robert Guino-o II, executive director of the SU-Research, Publication and Innovation Office, remarked that the project transcends typical business operations focused solely on production. "We need to anchor our operations on certain realities. These include global warming, plastic pollution, and water contamination, as it is not all economics after all," Guino-o stated. He added that some SDGs, such as poverty, education, and environmental concerns, will also be addressed by the facility' s operations. The Fab Lab is described as "a place to play, learn, mentor, invent, and for learning innovation while also providing access to the environment, skills, materials, and technology." The state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with Bambulab P1P 3D printers, an Einscan 3D scanner, a vacuum forming machine, a Voltera PCB printer for circuit board printing, and a print and cut machine for printing labels and stickers, all funded by the DTI. The facility is designed not only for academic purposes for students but also to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with access to innovation and technology to enhance their businesses and become competitive in the market. The DTI will assist the facility in identifying MSMEs to reach out to them and offer products and services at affordable costs. The Fab Lab will charge clients for products and services at rates lower than market prices to ensure the facility's sustainability. Next week, the SINERGY Fab Lab will conduct free training for its clients. The DTI-Negros Oriental, led by provincial director Nimfa Virtucio, signed a memorandum of agreement with Silliman University on the Fab Lab facility during the launch program.