by (contributed news)

AS INDUSTRY 4.0 revolutionizes the creative capability of designers through the adoption of technologies in the design process, the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, has recently emphasized leveraging on the shared strengths of humans and machines to create new dimensions in human-machine collaboration. 

In response to this challenge, DCP has implemented the Digital Artisans Program, a 3-month program in partnership with different FAB LABs across the country with a focus on the utilization of technologies and tools found in fabrication laboratories in supporting and underlining the importance of the artisanal discipline in the digital age. 

The Mindanao Digital Artisans included Reinna Kris Calo, Tzaddi Esguerra, Nathalie Mariano, and Michael Bacol who received mentoring from the Dean of SoFA Design Institute, Architect Tobias Guggenheimer, as well as assistance from MSU-IIT’s FAB LAB Mindanao. 

With funding from the Department of Trade and Industry- Region 10, the Mindanao Digital Artisans along with FAB LAB Mindanao Manager, Assoc. Prof. Lemuel Clark Velasco, presented The Modest Messiah installation during the recently conducted Manila FAME on October 17-19, 2019 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. 

During the culmination and round table discussion on the program’s assessment, Velasco highlighted the transformative experience both by the digital artisans as well as the FAB LAB staff during the design and fabrication process. The Institute’s priority in both product and process innovation is made real in the implementation of relevant collaborative projects like the Digital Artisans Program which aims to capacitate communities in Industry 4.0 responsive skills.