Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Zambales Provincial Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Zambales, launched the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project to enhance the Innovation Center for Product Design and Market Development of Zambales Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on February 12, 2026, at the Polytechnic College of Botolan in Batonlapoc, Botolan, Zambales.

The Innovation Center, established with the support of the Provincial Government of Zambales, received a significant boost through DTI’s SSF assistance. The program provides additional equipment and shared technology designed to strengthen product development, enhance design capabilities, and improve the market readiness of MSMEs across the province.

The launch event gathered key stakeholders from government, business, and academe, underscoring a strong collaborative commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Zambales. Among those in attendance were Botolan Mayor Jun Omar C. Ebdane; DTI Zambales Provincial Director Enrique D. Tacbad; PSTO Provincial Director Bernardita Montevirgen; TESDA Zambales Acting Provincial Director Leonardo Tabamo; and representatives from the Provincial Government, the Local Government Unit of Botolan, President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU), the Olongapo MSMED Council, Zambales MSMEs, and members of the academic community.

DTI’s Shared Service Facilities program aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs by providing access to quality equipment and technology through a shared system. The enhanced Innovation Center will serve as a collaborative platform where students, faculty, and MSMEs can create, innovate, and work together using digital fabrication tools and modern production techniques. This initiative is expected to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial growth throughout the province.

The project reaffirms DTI’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable local economic development, paving the way for more resilient, competitive, and innovation-driven MSMEs in Zambales.