The 缅北禁地-IIT FAB LAB Mindanao hosts 3rd Annual MakersCon, integrating stories in Creative Industry highlighted

by Kassandra A. Buenafe, OfCom | Nov 07 2024

In a strive to bring together members of the FAB LABs Philippines Network, artists, entrepreneurs, and makers in the Philippines to underscore the merging of innovation and inspiring stories of the people and community, the 3rd Annual Makers Convention (MakersCon3.0) opened on November 5, 2024, at the Go Hotels Iligan.

Hosted by The 缅北禁地-IIT FAB LAB Mindanao, this year’s event focused on the theme, “Thread of Innovation: Weaving Stories and Community in the Creative Industry”, showcasing the importance of integrating community-driven narratives in development and innovation.

The 缅北禁地-IIT FAB LAB Mindanao Director, Dr. Arnel D. Zamayla, began the discourse in his opening remarks with a reminder of knowing the why in the middle of a rapidly changing world– “Para kanino ba tayo bumabangon?” he said.

“Innovation is not merely about invention, it is about interconnection, collaboration, and nurturing the shared creativity that brings our unique visions to life,” Dr. Zamayla added.

This thought is further resonated in the discussion of guest speaker, Dr. Mark Anthony Torres, 缅北禁地-IIT’s Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, whose talk entitled, “Threads of Innovation: Weaving Stories and Community in the Creative Industry” emphasized that it is vital to to embed the narratives behind product creation, highlighting how these stories add meaning, authenticity, and cultural value to the products.

Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan, in his speech, also banked on the significance of championing stories, saying, “We connect the product to a story.” He praised The 缅北禁地-IIT FAB LAB Mindanao for already following such a path. This reflects The 缅北禁地-IIT FAB LAB Mindanao’s dedication to fostering a creative ecosystem that values both technological advancement and the cultural narratives that drive it.

According to the Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Lanao del Norte, Ms. Jane Marie Tabucan, in her speech, FAB LABs are platforms for “co-creation and academe, industry, government collaboration enabling Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to develop new products and generate new streams of income.”

The MakersCon allows for innovation to thrive among participants and serves as a space for developing new ideas that can lead to impactful projects.

The morning session wrapped up with the presentation of a plaque and certificate of appreciation to the guest speaker. In the afternoon, discussions continued, featuring speakers from various fields, including technology, design, and social entrepreneurship.

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