The Department of Science and Technology demonstrates a 3D printer in an exhibition in Butuan City on Friday (Aug. 1, 2025). The agency is set to launch a new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Northern Mindanao to serve as a hub for local innovators. (Photo courtesy of DOST-MIRDC)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Science and Technology in Northern Mindanao (DOST-10) is set to launch a government-funded three-dimensional (3D) laboratory to aid startup companies and inventors in the region.
In a statement on Friday, the DOST-10 said the Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) is positioned to become the additive manufacturing hub in Northern Mindanao. It will provide a range of cutting-edge services, including 3D printing, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, and materials research.
These services will be made available to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), academic institutions, and local communities.
AMCen is managed by the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Development Institute. Its technologies extend beyond industrial use, aiming to advance sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and disaster preparedness.
The agency said AMCen’s presence in Northern Mindanao marks a significant milestone in the decentralization of high-end manufacturing technologies. By establishing this center, DOST is making advanced tools accessible, helping local innovators and students develop products faster, improve efficiency, and reduce dependence on imports. (PNA)