PH’s first and only 3D printing hub for medical implants joins Zamboanga Peninsula RSTW

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2025-10-03. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

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The Advanced Manufacturing in Medicine (ADMAM3D) Laboratory, the Philippines’ first and only in-hospital, advanced medical manufacturing facility dedicated to biomedical research and customized medical device production, proudly participated in the recently concluded 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen).

Established in 2019 under the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), ADMAM3D has been at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation in advanced healthcare manufacturing. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Central Office (DOST-CO) for its research initiatives, the project is conducted in partnership with DOST, under the monitoring of DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

The ADMAM3D operates as a pioneering facility independent of other advanced manufacturing centers, with a unique focus on developing customized, patient-specific biomedical implants using additive manufacturing technologies.

Founded by Dr. Rentor Y. Cafino, MD, MPH, DPBOHNS, and Dr. Maria Monique Theresita M. Soliven, MD, MPH, DPBOHNS – both distinguished Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, Nose, Throat/ENT)-Head and Neck Surgeons, ADMAM3D Laboratory has broken new ground in the application of 3D printing in clinical settings. Their work has led to the creation of tailor-fit prostheses and surgical implants that address real-world needs in hospitals, particularly for patients in remote and underserved areas. What makes it unique is that it is a point-of-care solution: implants are designed and produced right where patients are treated, thus, reducing waiting time, cost, and ensuring that the solution fits the patient’s exact needs.

Among innovations ADMAM3D has developed are prototypes for mandibular, zygomatic, cranial, and rib implants. These implants have shown to be viable solutions for complex reconstructive surgery needs for craniomaxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, and thoracovascular surgery, respectively. Developed using high-performance materials such as Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK), an organic thermoplastic polymer used in many engineering applications. Notably, ADMAM3D has engineered a PEEK skull implant, although it has not yet been implanted.

In an interview, the unit's co-founder, Dr. Soliven, shared valuable insights into ADMAM3D’s ongoing work in the medical field, particularly in the development of customized, 3D-printed biomedical devices.

“In our region, one of the major limitations is the lack of specialized surgeons and the availability of highly specialized surgical tools. Many of our patients also cannot afford standard treatments,” Dr. Soliven explained, underscoring the urgent need for accessible and innovative medical solutions.

To address these challenges, Dr. Cafino, Dr. Soliven, and their team explored alternative solutions using advanced manufacturing technologies.

“One of the key advantages of PEEK is its compatibility with the human body. In comparison to titanium, which is considered the gold standard, PEEK is more flexible and less reactive to temperature extremes, which can cause discomfort or complications such as severe headaches in patients with titanium-based implants,” she added.

Further, Dr. Soliven cited a case involving a patient with a large defect of the jaw brought about by the removal of a very large tumor, where the use of standard surgical treatment was not viable.

“These devices are already being used in real patients, particularly under compassionate grounds. We’ve had patients come from as far as Manila to access this service, as this is currently the only center in the Philippines offering such solutions,” she explained.

In addition to Otorhinolaryngology/ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)-Head and Neck surgery cases, the team is collaborating with other medical specialists, including neurosurgeons. They are also exploring less invasive medical devices, such as custom orthoses for hands, and assisting nursing students from Ateneo de Zamboanga in developing medical prototypes.

ADMAM3D’s booth displays a prototype of the skull implant (left), custom hand and wrist orthoses (middle), and the 3D printed PEEK implant (right). Photo courtesy of DOST Regional Office IX’s Facebook page.

She also highlighted the unique positioning of their laboratory, which is closely tied to biomedical engineering, making it the only institution in the country integrating biomedical device manufacturing into academic and clinical practice. 

“We’re not yet in the commercialization stage. These devices are provided at no cost since they are still under development. However, the cost of custom 3D-printed implants using PEEK, while slightly higher than standard titanium, is still significantly more affordable than importing customized solutions overseas,” Dr. Soliven added.

Moreover, she emphasized that regulatory approvals from the Food and Drug Administration and ISO certification for medical device manufacturing are ongoing in preparation for the commercialization of their 3D-printed biomedical devices.

“Our goal is to make custom 3D-printed implants accessible to every Filipino who needs them. ADMAM3D is not only about developing devices but also about training the new generation of innovators who share our vision. We are deeply grateful to our Medical Center Chief, Dr. Afdal B. Kunting for his unwavering support and encouragement, and to DOST under the leadership of Sec. Renato Solidum, Jr., for paving the way for innovation in healthcare. We remain committed to ensuring that advanced medical manufacturing directly benefits patients, hospitals, and communities across the country,” said Dr. Cafino.

Looking ahead, ADMAM3D aims to engineer more complex implant designs that go beyond the mentioned surgical specialties. The long-term goal is to provide accessible, locally made solutions for a wider range of surgical specialties that traditionally rely on imported, high-cost implants.

As science and technology take center stage during the 2025 RSTW in ZamPen, ADMAM3D’s presence underscores its ongoing commitment to translating science into impactful healthcare solutions. ADMAM3D, as the first advanced manufacturing facility of its kind in the Philippines, continues to collaborate with hospitals, researchers, and government agencies to build an ecosystem where medical innovation is both locally developed and globally competitive.

Further, ADMAM3D stands as a clear example of how regional innovation can drive national impact. With continued support from DOST and healthcare partners, ADMAM3D is charting the course to lead innovation in the medical field through advanced manufacturing of 3D-printed biomedical devices and help enhance patient care and shape the future of healthcare in the Philippines.

The 2025 RSTW that featured the ADMAM3D is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Abigael S. Omaña, DOST-STII)