With its vision to strengthen research and innovation capabilities of the university, the University of the Philippines Visayas Regional Research Center (UPV-RRC) launched i2i Makerspace or Idea to Innovation Makerspace along with the RRC Phase IV Architectural plan last February 26, 2025. These areas were meant to be utilized to foster innovation and collaboration of ideas among the research community in the country.

The launching was graced by UPV offices headed by Vice Chancellor for Administration, Asst. Prof. Farisal U. Bagsit, PhD.; Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Prof. Encarnacion Emilia S. Yap; and UP Visayas Chancellor, Clement C. Camposano, PhD. The UPV RRC also invited its partner institutions to witness the said event. University of Antique was represented by Ms. Jessebel V. Gadot, Director of the Integrated Research Center. 

VCRE Yap welcomed all the attendees and highlighted the importance of the UPV RRC in research and innovation. She acknowledged the tenants as well as elaborated the mutual benefits that RRC has together with its stakeholders. “This is a great opportunity to visit RRC and see all the services that they offer”, VCRE Yap added, referring to the open house that came right after the program which showcased all the equipment and services being offered in the RRC.

Asst. Prof. Mary Grace Sedanza, RRC director, presented the RRC Phase IV plans which emphasized the main purpose of the RRC as the centralized and multidisciplinary research facility. It aims to strengthen the research and innovation capabilities of UPV in fisheries and aquatic science research and development and its allied disciplines by providing access to the training on advanced analytical equipment and method development.

Engr. Vincent John D. Fuentes of the RRC Engineering Section unveiled the i2i Makerspace facility, a dynamic hub for students, researchers, industry professionals, and MSMEs, fostering collaboration, innovation and product prototyping which complement the existing laboratories of the RRC. The facility was equipped with two sets of 3D printers (Intermediate FDM) and one set of industrial-type 3D scanner which can scan medium to large objects.

Chancellor Camposano emphasized that the university has the capability to serve as the university of universities and our facilities are collaborative by design. This effort to collaborate also justifies the support that we have received and will be receiving. UP Visayas was not only meant to produce top quality graduates but also to capacitate other institutions, train researchers and do collaborative research.

After the program, everyone had the chance to see the i2i Makerspace facility and all the facilities of the RRC through a guided tour. For inquiries regarding services and collaboration, please contact the RRC Engineering Section at engg.rrc@upv.edu.ph, c/o Vincent Fuentes (Engineer IV), or reach out via the official RRC email at rrc.upvisayas@up.edu.ph.

(with sources from RRC Engineering Section)