Strengthening Innovation: DTI Lanao del Norte and Partners Host 'Design to Improve Life' Workshop

In a resounding display of collaboration and innovation, the Department of Trade and Industry - Lanao del Norte, together with ILIGANiCE, and Mr. Jeffklein Glodove from Jeff Klein & Co., orchestrated a successful two-day workshop titled "Design to Improve Life: The Compass Workshop." Held on March 10 and 11, 2023, at the MSU-IIT Prism Building's 4th Floor Conference Room in Tibanga, Iligan City, this event marked a significant stride toward cultivating local expertise in design and leadership.

The inaugural day of the seminar-workshop witnessed the enthusiastic participation of Enablers – a collective term encompassing DTI, ILIGANiCE, The MSU-IIT FAB LAB Mindanao, iDeya, and LGU Iligan. The second day extended its reach to a diverse audience including converters, designers, private sector representatives, and industry partners.

Empowering Local Capacity and Leadership

At its core, the Design to Improve Life workshop was meticulously designed to ignite a community-driven transformation across the Philippines. By fostering local capacity and nurturing leadership, the initiative aimed to cultivate an ecosystem of individuals adept at learning, growing, leading, and investing in sustainable solutions – a dire need for both the Philippines and the ASEAN region.

The workshop's multifaceted approach targeted a multiplier effect, where locally contextualized solutions are created to ensure positive and lasting impacts. By strengthening the community of Filipino enablers, the ripple effect of innovative solutions would resonate throughout various sectors, contributing to the nation's progress.

Building Collaborative Networks

Beyond its capacity-building aspirations, the workshop also strove to create meaningful connections and partnerships. Design communities were brought together to form bonds with a diverse array of individuals – designers, innovators, industry stalwarts, educators, enablers, and policymakers. This synergistic exchange of ideas was pivotal in exploring new possibilities and encouraging innovation that fortifies the nation's design ecosystem.

A Vision for the Future

The Design to Improve Life: The Compass Workshop stood as a beacon of innovation, underscoring the importance of collaboration and forward-looking strategies. By equipping local communities with the tools, knowledge, and networks to drive sustainable change, the initiative seeks to leave an indelible mark on the Philippines' design landscape.

The success of this workshop echoes a promising future where local solutions cater to local challenges, and innovation is at the forefront of progress. As the event's impact continues to resonate, it is evident that the Philippines is poised to emerge as a hub of innovation, bolstered by empowered communities and dynamic partnerships.