Saint Mary’s University (SMU), through its Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO), reinforced its position as a regional leader in innovation and technology transfer after earning the First Place Award in the 2025 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Top Performer Award – Fabrication Laboratory Category. The recognition was conferred during the 4th Regional MSME Summit: Innovation, Smart Agriculture, Productivity, Inclusive Growth, Recognition, and Expansion (INSPIRE), held on July 6, 2026, at the Capital Arena in Alibagu, Ilagan City, Isabela.

  The latest recognition marks SMU’s third consecutive year of recognition by the Department of Trade and Industry, reflecting the university’s sustained excellence in innovation, technology transfer, and enterprise development. In 2025, the SMU Fab Lab received the 2024 DTI SSF Top Performer Award – Fabrication Laboratory Category during the 3rd Regional MSME Summit 2025 cum One DTI Services Caravan in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. A year earlier, during the 2nd Regional MSME Summit 2024, SMU was honored with the DTI Presidential Award for Outstanding Development Partner and the Best DTI Shared Service Facility Cooperator Award. Together, these achievements underscore SMU’s consistent leadership in delivering technology-driven solutions that empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), strengthen industry partnerships, and contribute to regional economic development. 

At the heart of this accomplishment is the SMU Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab), which has become a hub for innovation, product development, and enterprise support. Through advanced fabrication technologies, technical expertise, and industry-responsive services, the Fab Lab equips entrepreneurs, students, local industries, and community partners with the tools and knowledge needed to improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and transform innovative ideas into viable products and businesses.

The DTI SSF Top Performer Award – Fabrication Laboratory Category is conferred upon Shared Service Facility cooperators that consistently demonstrate outstanding performance and a high level of commitment to excellence. This prestigious recognition honors organizations that not only meet but exceed performance expectations, contribute significantly to project success, and uphold the program’s values and mission. Awardees serve as role models of productivity, reliability, and professionalism, setting a standard of excellence that inspires others and drives organizational success. The evaluation placed significant emphasis on impact, with 70% of the total score based on the facility’s success in achieving project objectives, including the number of MSMEs assisted, sales generated, and jobs created. The remaining 30% assessed contributions to social responsibility (15%) and documentary requirement compliance (15%).

The award was presented by DTI Regional Director Ms. Ma. Sofia G. Narag, CESO V, Acting Assistant Regional Director Atty. Michael B. Paggabao, and Nueva Vizcaya OIC Provincial Director PD Lenore Lee S. Lopez.

Receiving the award on behalf of the University were Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, University President; Engr. Teofilo M. Sagabaen, Head of the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office; and Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva, Assistant Director for the Institutional Development and Quality Assurance Office. Engr. Sagabaen and Dr. Villanueva also serve as SMU’s representatives to the DTI Shared Service Facilities – Local Advisory and Mentoring Program (SSF-LAMP), further strengthening the University’s partnership with DTI in advancing innovation and enterprise development.

SMU’s consecutive recognition reflects more than just outstanding institutional performance; it demonstrates the University’s enduring commitment to transforming research, innovation, and technology into tangible opportunities for communities and local industries. By connecting higher education with industry, the University continues to drive entrepreneurship, create livelihood opportunities, and foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region.

This milestone also advances Saint Mary’s University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through innovation and capacity building, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting entrepreneurship and employment, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through technology-enabled enterprise development, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through sustained collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry and other development partners.