SMU Fab Lab crowned 2024 DTI Regional Top Performer
Saint Mary’s University’s Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (SMU-TTBDO) was recognized as the 2024 Top Performer Award – Fabrication Category at the 3rd Regional MSME Summit 2025 cum One DTI Services Caravan. The event took place on July 8, 2025, at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. SMU’s Fab Lab distinguished itself by achieving the highest score among all regional winners.
The 2024 Top Performer Award – Fabrication Category is bestowed upon cooperators who consistently demonstrate outstanding performance and a high level of commitment to excellence. This prestigious award recognizes those who not only meet but exceed expectations, contribute significantly to project success, and uphold the program’s values and mission. Awardees of this honor are role models of productivity, reliability, and professionalism, setting a standard of excellence that inspires others and drives organizational success. The award’s criteria focused heavily on impact: 75% was attributed to the facility’s success in achieving project objectives, such as the number of MSMEs assisted, sales generated, and jobs created. The remaining criteria highlighted contributions to social responsibility (15%) and meticulous documentary compliance (10%).
The award was presented by key DTI officials, including Regional Director Ms. Ma. Sofia G. Narag, CESO V, Acting Assistant Regional Director Atty. Michael B. Paggabao, and Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director PD Ramil D. Garcia.
Receiving the award were University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina; Engr. Teofilo M. Sagabaen, Head of the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO); Mrs. Mary Uno, TTBDO Staff; and Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva, Assistant Director for Institutional Development and Quality Assurance Office. Dr. Villanueva also serves as one of the university’s representatives for the DTI-Shared Service Facilities – Local Advisory and Mentoring Program (SSF-LAMP).
This recognition underscores SMU’s vital role in driving economic growth and fostering a culture of innovation in the region. It also highlights the university’s strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Written by:
Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva
Assistant Director, Institutional Development and Quality Assurance Office
