FEATURING TECHNOLOGIES FOR A GREENER ECONOMY: DOST-FPRDI TO PRESENT BAMBOO INNOVATIONS
Featured technologies of DOST-FPRDI including the Silyang Pinoy, a multi-functional school furniture (Photo from DOST-FPRDI Facebook page) The Department of Science and Technology – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) is seeking future partners to utilize bamboo technologies through a forum scheduled for November 28, 2024, at Sapphire-Topaz, Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. As part of the 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) with the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Kinabukasan: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and the sub-theme “Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities in the Green Economy,” the event supports the call for a greener economy. The forum, entitled “Bamboo Innovations: Technologies for a Greener Economy,” aims to present DOST-FPRDI’s bamboo technologies to various stakeholders in Cagayan de Oro City and its neighboring areas, fostering opportunities for partnerships. To provide context, Ms. Margie B. Dizon will present an overview of DOST-FPRDI, followed by a discussion on the technology transfer and commercialization process by Mr. Rodell A. Papa. Mr. Chris Johniel France Rana will also share insights on the design and development of multi-functional school furniture. Additionally, resource speakers will showcase bamboo innovations, including bamboo wellness products, the bamboo octagonal jointing system, and bamboo pellets. Other technologies and innovations from DOST-FPRDI will be featured at its exhibit booth under the Sustainability Cluster Exhibits, which will highlight eco-friendly technologies, sustainable agriculture, and renewable resources driving responsible growth. Discover more scientific innovations, technological advancements, and S&T exhibits through the 2024 NSTW mobile application, or follow the official NSTW Facebook page. (By Kesha Shua V. Leosala, DOST-STII)
DOST-FPRDI’S LILOK PROJECT TO HELP LOCAL WOOD CARVING INDUSTRY
A new project from the Department of Science and Technology – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) aims to support the wood carving industry in Paete, Laguna. Titled “LiLOK: Likhain at Linangin Obra mula sa Kahoy: Valuing the Wood Carving Industry in the Philippines,” this initiative seeks to boost the local carving industry by documenting its rich cultural history and mapping its value chain to recommend solutions for market improvement. The LiLOK project was launched during Paete’s Ukit-Taka Festival: Sabayang Pag-uukit on 28 September 2024, where at least 160 artisans simultaneously carved products using various media, including wood, ice, and fruits. DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. recognized the project as a comprehensive initiative that uses science, technology, and innovation (STI) to address the challenges of the local wood carving industry. “The project offers artisans the tools and resources needed to thrive in a competitive market, while allowing this traditional craft to evolve and develop even further,” said Secretary Solidum. “We are optimistic that this new initiative will help find growth opportunities for Paete and other forest-dependent communities. Providing the needed policy and technological support will help boost employment and encourage more locals to participate in the wood carving industry,” explained DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon. As part of the program, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between DOST-FPRDI, represented by OIC Director Cabangon, and the Paete Local Government Unit (LGU), represented by Municipal Mayor Ronald B. Cosico. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Hon. Ruth Hernandez, 2nd District Representative for the Province of Laguna; Marites T. Castro, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism Region IV-A; Hon. Marcelino H. Baiais, Committee Chairman on Tourism; Peter Jaynul Uckung, Recreation and Welfare Services Officer; and Hon. Virgilio L. Madridejos Jr., Municipal Vice Mayor. The project will also address gender issues and provide technological training and upskilling opportunities to encourage greater participation among women and youth in the wood carving industry. Additionally, it will harmonize policies governing the wood carving sector with support from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), UP Los Baños Forestry Development Center (FDC), and UP Diliman-Asian Center (AC). Led by Forester Jennifer M. Conda, LiLOK is funded by the DOST-National Reseach Council of the Philippines, and being implemented in collaboration with UPOU, UPLB-FDC and UP Diliman- AC. # by Julius T. Pelegrina, DOST-FPRDI
DOST-FPRDI MOVES TO BOOST WOOD IDENTIFICATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Product Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) is taking significant strides in advancing the accuracy and reliability of identifying Philippine wood species through cutting-edge molecular-level research and development. These efforts will ensure alignment with global benchmarks, promoting transparency and confidence in international trade. “Our commitment to enhancing Philippine wood identification reflects our dedication to sustainable forestry practices. By capacitating our researchers into integrating state-of-the-art technologies at the molecular level, we are enhancing our capability to accurately classify and certify Philippine wood species,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. Wood identification is the scientific process of establishing the identity of a wood specimen based on its anatomical, physical and structural properties. It is used in the country’s anti-illegal logging campaign by providing basis for charges against violators. “It would help our biodiversity protection efforts if we could employ the same state-of-the-art techniques in wood identification and preservation. Right now, we do our wood identification by examining the wood anatomy. Most countries, however, use more advanced and precise methods such as molecular technique or DNA sequencing, or machine-aided wood identification. We hope to acquire the needed equipment so we can boost the wood identification service we offer, and at the same time give more value to our vast collection of wood specimens,” explained Estudillo, the curator of the Institute’s Herbarium and Xylarium Facility. It is also important in the realm of culture and local heritage. In the field of archaeology, identity of wood specimens recovered from study sites can be established. To date, DOST-FPRDI’s Herbarium and Xylarium Facility houses 2,631 herbarium voucher specimens (810 species from 339 genera and 110 families), and the most complete wood collection of 10,983 authentic specimens in the country (2,282 species under 463 genera and 197 families of Philippine tree species). This wood collection represents more than 90% of Philippine tree species and is an important reference for archaeologists, foresters and students. “This is a very rare and valuable collection since some of the collected species no longer exist in the natural forests. For example, in our collection is katagpo [Psychotria ilocana (Merr.) Merr.] which has been extinct in the wild for more than 100 years already. Thus, we have to protect this collection because it will be difficult to stockpile and impossible to replicate some of them again,” Estudillo said. In 2022, the DOST-FPRDI received a request from a foreign film company to identify wood samples from a shipwreck. The ship was said to be a part of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. According to Estudillo, the specimens were first sent to laboratories in the United States, but their identities could not be established. DOST-FPRDI experts, however, were able to identify the woods as molave (Vitex parviflora A. Juss.) and supa (Sindora supa Merr.), both of which are endemic to the Philippines. “Studies in this field dealing with material culture left behind by past societies, especially pre-historic ones, help people understand how their ancestors lived, and their cultures changed. DOST-FPRDI can contribute to efforts that define social identity,” explained Estudillo. As DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon stated, “Our goal is to ultimately assist the Philippines, particularly our law enforcement agencies, in accurately identifying illegally possessed woods… With enough funding support, we can utilize advanced technology to cross-reference DNA profiles of challenging anatomical wood samples with a comprehensive database. This will allow authorities to accurately identify the species and the origin of timber, bamboo, and other forest products.” For those interested to collaborate with DOST-FPRDI, kindly send an e-mail at info@fprdi.dost.gov.ph. ### (Idohna Leah B. Jomao-as and Apple Jean M. de Leon, 29 July 2024)
DOST-FPRDI TO RECOGNIZE ITS SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS DURING ITS 67TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The Department of Science and Technology – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) will recognize its industry partners who are making an impact in the on-going efforts towards forest products sustainability. To be launched during the Institute’s 67th Anniversary celebration, the Narra Awards has been conceived to honor micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, and other industry players that have improved their products and have contributed to their communities after adopting and using the Institute’s technologies or services. The awarding will happen on July 5 at the Limapark Hotel in Batangas. Similarly, agencies that have helped DOST-FPRDI to amplify its stories and initiatives on environment, forest products utilization, and innovation will also be recognized. These include media partners and local DOST offices. Dubbed as LAWIG GUBAT, this year’s anniversary celebration underscores the Institute’s commitment to further provide S&T solutions that protect the environment and ensure the people’s economic sustainability. LAWIG GUBAT stands for Lasting, Adaptive, Wealthy, Innovative, and Green. “DOST-FPRDI aspires for lasting solutions that will preserve our forest resources. Through adaptive strategies, we hurdle the challenges of changing environments. We aim for a wealthy nation, not only in economic resources, but also in biodiversity. Using innovative approaches to forest products utilization, DOST-FPRDI strives to advance the green economy,” explained DOST FPRDI OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon. Aside from the Narra Awards, the following activities are lined up for the Anniversary celebration: 1. Lawig Disenyo: Multi-functional Furniture Design Contest is a competition that will showcase innovative multi-functional furniture using sustainable wood or non-wood forest materials. It is open to furniture designers/makers from CALABARZON, NCR, and Region 3. Design entries will be accepted until June 30 thru this link: http://bit.ly/3USUNf4 2. Salin Lawig Technology Transfer Fair will highlight DOST-FPRDI’s R&D initiatives and innovations, technology demonstrations, and a trade fair featuring some of the Institute’s Luzon-based adopters as exhibitors-sellers. It will be held on July 05 at the Limapark Hotel in Batangas. The event is open to the public. 3. Tesoro Research Chair will feature the paper presentation of Engr. Elvina O. Bondad on “Philippine Forest Vines: Physico-Mechanical Properties and End-Uses”. Bondad is the 2023-2024 Research Chair Holder. The event will be livestreamed via the DOST-FPRDI Facebook page on 10 July at 8 AM. 4. 18th F. Tamolang Technical Poster Contest and Exhibit will run from July 2 to 5, and will showcase select DOST-FPRDI R&D and technology transfer projects with significant findings or impact in terms of contribution to socio-economic development, environmental protection, and sustainable use of forest-based products. “The Institute’s initiatives towards sustainability are wide and varied. From studying industrial tree plantation species and non-wood forest products as substitute to premium tree species, to making use of agro-forest wastes that would have otherwise been discarded, DOST-FPRDI has consistently been at the forefront of advancing innovations for sustainable forest products utilization. DOST-FPRDI will continue to contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. Today and in the years to come, it will develop more earth-friendly technologies and ensure that these will be efficiently transferred to the public. We are committed to making the local forest-based industries more competitive while ensuring the sustainability of the environment, society, and the economy,” said Cabangon. DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. applauds the recipient of the Narra Awards for their impactful contribution in the attainment not only of DOST-FPRDI’s but of the Department’s strategic objectives particularly the institutionalization of sustainability. Sec. Solidum assures the DOST-FPRDI and its various stakeholders and partners of the Department’s support to initiatives that will make the local forest-based industries more competitive while ensuring sustainable environment. In his version of LAWIG, “Likas-yamang luntian Ating Walang-tigil na Isusulong at Gagawin para sa komunidad na katuwang natin sa kaunlaran at para sa kapakinabangan ng susunod pang henerasyon” said DOST Secretary Solidum.
DOST Showcases ‘Silyang Pinoy’ at Its Day Care Center
Pupils at the DOST Day Care Center (DDCC) in Bicutan, Taguig City will soon use eco-friendly furniture in their classrooms. The DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has turned over 12 sets of Silyang Pinoy – a school furniture primarily crafted from engineered bamboo. Developed by DOST-FPRDI, Silyang Pinoy is a multi-functional furniture (a combination of a chair and table) that easily transforms into a bed. This innovation proves invaluable during natural disasters when public schools are converted into evacuation centers. “The Silyang Pinoy is an important innovation and is in line with DOST’s commitment to develop and support technologies in disaster preparedness, rehabilitation and recovery. Not only does it showcase modern and aesthetic design; it also highlights the versatility and potential of sustainable forest products such as bamboo,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. Prototypes underwent strength and durability testing at the Institute’s Furniture Testing Center, adhering to the PNS ISO 7173:2006 standard. Subsequently, these were distributed and tested for acceptance in schools located in disaster-prone areas, including Mandaragat Elementary and Secondary Schools in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Sto. Ñino Integrated School in Catarman, Camiguin; and Consuelo Elementary and Secondary Schools in Sta. Marcela, Apayao. Funded by DOST-PCAARRD, the Silyang Pinoy project aimed to enhance bamboo usage, as mandated by Executive Order No. 879, series of 2010. The directive says that at least 25% of school furniture in public elementary and secondary schools in the country will be made from bamboo. “This is an important milestone in the Institute’s effort to showcase and strengthen the promotion of Silyang Pinoy among schools in the country,” explained DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon. “We hope that by showing the versatility of bamboo as a raw material for school furniture, we can help the local bamboo industry by enhancing the demand for bamboo poles,” he added. The turn-over ceremony was held during the Kick-Off of DOST’s National Women’s Month Celebration last 01 March 2024, led by Secretary Solidum, DOST Assistant Secretary Diane L. Ignacio, and DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Cabangon. (By Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon & Precious Lynne Payuan, DOST-FPRDI)
DOST Shows Solons Advanced Tech Facilities for Furniture and Construction
The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) featured the latest advancements in wood and non-wood forest technologies and facilities at their office during the visit of members of the House of Representatives on 22 February 2024. Led by the House Committee on Science and Technology Member and 2nd District of Zamboanga del Sur Representative Jeyzel Victoria C. Yu, the group was joined by the legislative and congressional delegates of the Committees on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources; Agriculture and Food; Natural Resources; Tourism; Rural Development; Climate Change; Agrarian Reform; Ecology; Reforestation; Disaster Risk Resilience; and Committee Affairs Department Economic Cluster II. In his message during the opening program, DOST Undersecretary for Special Concerns Dr. Teodoro M. Gatchalian shared his hope that the visit will provide useful information to further develop S&T in the countryside and make it more responsive to the challenges of the times. “We hope to prove to you that every centavo we receive from the national government are being put into maximum use so that our people can really benefit from the services that we deliver,” explained Usec. Gatchalian. Committee delegates were given an exclusive tour of the state-of-the-art facilities at DOST-FPRDI. Delegates witnessed demonstrations and presentations that showcased innovations in the use of wood and non-wood forest products. “We highly value the Committee’s role in stirring a vibrant S&T environment in the country, and in pushing for scientific innovations that are beneficial to the Filipino people. DOST-FPRDI looks forward to engage in more meaningful discussions that highlight the importance of continued support for R&D initiatives,” said DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon. He added, “Through the visit, we were able to present the Institute’s efforts in developing technologies for the sustainable use of forest resources, and in helping address concerns that include job creation, human security and environment protection through our R&D programs and technology transfer activities.” Committee members and legislative staff were toured around DOST-FPRDI’s Fire Testing Laboratory that houses equipment to verify the fire resistance of small samples from wall panels; Furniture Testing Center that evaluates the product strength, durability, and stability of chairs, tables and other furniture using local and global test standards; and the Wood Library and Herbarium that has the most complete wood collection in the Philippines with more than 4,000 tree species to date. At the Forest Products Innovation Center (FPIC), various products derived from DOST-FPRDI’s R&D Programs on bamboo & other non-wood forest products, creative industry, flavors and fragrances from the forests, human security, and climate change were displayed. Emphasizing the role of science and research in “creating meaningful governance thru policy making and legislation”, Rep. Yu stated, “We need to strengthen the cooperation of the DOST family and the members of the House of Representatives by providing opportunities to converge our efforts so that we may be able to solve pressing problems. I appeal to everyone present today, let us work and join hands together to make this partnership accomplish its task for the advancement of science and technology in the country.” Apart from DOST-FPRDI, other DOST agencies that were visited included the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and DOST Region IV-A. DOST-FPRDI is a research and development institute tasked to develop and transfer technologies and information on the efficient use of forest-based products. Together with other DOST agencies, the DOST-FPRDI works towards improving the competitiveness of local industries by using science, technology and innovation. (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon)
National University of Singapore students visit DOST-FPRDI
A group of students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) visited the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) last 5 January 2024 to learn and talk about possible collaborations involving the Institute’s Bamboo Musical Instruments (BMI) Innovation R&D Program. The trip was part of their academic course that requires students to craft and implement capstone projects that will “promote positive social impact to a community in need.” Focusing on the Arts and Design cluster, the students are exploring the possibility of training out-of-school youth on BMI making. The students were met by DOST-FPRDI OIC-Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, BMI Program Leader For. Aralyn L. Quintos, and Technical Services Division’s For. Zenaida R. Reyes. They toured the BMI Processing Center housing BMI prototypes and traditional instruments collected from the country’s indigenous communities. The Center was established under the BMI R&D Program that developed technologies to improve the processing and production of BMIs. The visit was made possible thru the assistance of Bamboo Professionals, Inc. led by Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, For. Robert A. Natividad and Mr. Angelito B. Exconde. For more information on DOST-FPRDI’s BMI Program, visit its official website: https://phbmi.com/. ### (Maybell Mariella A. Palaypayon & Apple Jean M. de Leon)
DOST-FPRDI staff shine in international research conferences
Two DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) researchers have won major awards in international conferences held recently. Technology Innovation Division’s Alexis B. Dorado bagged the Best Research Paper Presentation in the 2023 International Conference on Resources and Environmental Research (ICRER) held at Hong Kong, China from 2-4 December 2023. Dorado presented the paper titled “Sustainable Wood Stain Derived from Natural Dyes for Green Applications” that details how Philippine natural dyes can become a viable and eco-friendly alternative to primary colorants in wood stain formulations. She won under the “Wastewater, Oil Pollution and Green Technology” category. Meanwhile, Material Science Division’s Kim Wilmer M. Balagot won 1st runner-up in the e-poster competition during the 17th ASEAN Food Conference in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Balagot presented the poster “Evaluation of Physico-chemical Properties, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity and Acute Oral Toxicity of Bignay [Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng.] Wine Aged from Philippine Wooden Barrels”. The study presents DOST-FPRDI’s new wine-aging technology that uses wooden barrels made from Philippine tree species such as mahogany, mangium and santol. Aside from Balagot, Kimberly M. Delica, Dr. Erlinda L. Mari, Engr. Caezar A. Cuaresma, Melvie C. Emprese, Ma. Jenny Q. Canizares and Neil C. Tanquilut were also involved in the study. The ASEAN Food Conference “aims to discuss the current and emerging issues, and the role of food science and technology in enhancing sustainable food supply chain, that is affordable to all.” ### (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon, 15 December 2023)
DOST-FPRDI opens bamboo facilities to clients
In celebration of the Philippine Bamboo Month, the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) opened its bamboo facilities to the public last 26 September 2023. Dubbed “Lakbay Kawayan: An Appreciation Tour of Select DOST-FPRDI Bamboo Facilities”, the activity showcased two of the Institute’s newest facilities that could be availed of by bamboo-using businesses: the Bamboo Musical Instruments Processing Center and the Forest Products Innovation and Training Center (FPITC). The event also presented some ideas on how the participants could further process bamboo into various engineered products and charcoal briquettes. Institute experts also lectured on some preservative treatment options for bamboo to make it less appetizing for bio-deteriorating agents like powder-post beetles and termites. “This Bamboo Month, we wanted to provide MSMEs an overview on how they can use science, technology and innovation in improving their bamboo-based businesses. We hope that thru the Lakbay Kawayan, we were able to reach out to our clients and showed them many opportunities to expand their bamboo enterprises,” explained Technical Services Division Chief Maria Cielito G. Siladan. During the event, technology transfer specialists discussed available training services and the procedure in adopting technologies of DOST-FPRDI. Tubò, the Institute’s Technology Business Incubator, was also introduced. “Thru Tubò, entrepreneurs may use the Institute’s forest products processing technologies, and can be assisted in various aspects of business development, which include helping them register their business, get grant applications, protect their intellectual property, and obtain certification for required tests,” said Siladan. Bamboo is known for its fast growth and regeneration. It is sturdy, strong and flexible, and can grow even in poor soil conditions and denuded lands. With bamboo’s excellent qualities and economic potential, DOST-FPRDI has considered it one of its main raw materials. “The Institute continues to develop various technologies to harness the full potential of bamboo as a material for construction, furniture, handicrafts, engineered bamboo, among others,” concluded DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin-de Leon)
DOST-FPRDI installs dryer for Quezon broom makers
An award-winning group of soft broom makers in Real, Quezon recently received a piece of equipment that could sweep one of their biggest production problems away: a special dryer for their grass raw material. Called the non-wood forest products dryer, this equipment was developed by the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) and installed in Brgy. Maragondon, Real, Quezon to help the broom producers dry their tiger grass (Thysanolaena latifolia) even during the rainy season. According to DOST-FPRDI’s Maria C. Reyes, the Maragondon Dragon Grass SLP Association asked for the Institute’s help in January this year as they were having problems drying their raw materials during rainy days. The dryer was installed and commissioned in June with the guidance of the Institute’s drying specialist Engr. Wency H. Carmelo. After air-drying for two days, pollen grains from tiger grass are usually removed by shaking or brushing the stalks against tree trunks and other hard surfaces. This takes too much time and effort. Using the dryer, the pollen grains can be easily removed after drying the stalks at 90oC for 2 hours. According to Jocelyn Capablanca, association treasurer, the dryer not only helps with pollen extraction, it also ensures that their materials are not attacked by black molds. In 2019, the 56-member-strong broom makers association received the National Sibol Award for being an outstanding beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program. The dryer unit was funded by DOST’s Grants-In-Aid (GIA) Program, while its installation was made possible with the support of the DOST Provincial Office. (Rizalina K. Araral, 16 October 2023) ###