Philippine and China Collaborate: DOST-FPRDI Inks Memorandum of Agreement for Joint Bamboo R&D Laboratory
An exciting new chapter in scientific collaboration between the Philippines and China has been unveiled with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the establishment of a Joint Bamboo Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory. The MOA was inked by Dr. Romulo T. Aggangan, Director of DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), and Jiangxi Academy of Forestry (JAF) President Yang Jiefang on August 9, 2023 at the DOST-PCAARRD, Los Banos, Laguna. The momentous ceremony marks a commitment to shared research and innovation between the two nations, strengthening their collective pursuit of advancements in bamboo technology and science. This MOA is in relation to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DOST- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and JAF signed last September 6, 2021 for the Establishment of Philippines-China Joint Program on Bamboo Research. The MOU mainly focuses on the research and technology promotion on advanced processing technology and postharvest of bamboo resources. The Phil-China collaboration mainly focuses on joint research and development of applied technologies and capacity building, creating a high-level scientific and technological cooperation demonstration, providing technical support for the development of bamboo technology and bamboo industry, and facilitating deep cooperation in the bamboo industry between the two countries. A 672-square meter boiler building in DOST-FPRDI will be converted into a modern bamboo research laboratory which will be named as “Philippines-China Joint Bamboo R&D Laboratory”, while its counterpart in JAF will be the “China-Philippines Joint Bamboo R&D Laboratory.” The laboratory aims to create a research hub where both Philippines and China can exchange knowledge and contribute to the advancement of bamboo research. DOST officials and JAF delegates witnessed the signing ceremony from the: DOST- The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), Executive Director, Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services, Dr. Lilian G. Bondoc, Chief Science Research Specialist of Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division (PCMD), Dr. Nimfa K. Torreta, OIC-Director of Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD) and Dr. Dalisay E. Cabral, Senior Science Research Specialist, FERD; officials from the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Dr. Loreto A. Novicio, Program Leader of Bamboo and Other Non-Wood Forest Products, Dr. Jennifer P. Tamayo, Project Leader of Bamboo Research and Development (R&D); and officials of Jiangxi Academy of Forestry, Mr. Li Yuansheng, Deputy Director of Administration Office, Dr. Wang Xiaodong, Leader of the Fungi Team, Dr. Hu Yuan, Associate Researcher and Dr. Yu Nengfu, Associate Researcher of JAF. With this agreement, both countries have set a precedent for international cooperation in bamboo research and development. This collaboration is expected to unlock new potential and set a new standard for innovation and sustainability in bamboo technology. ### (Angela Catacutan)
Laguna bamboo industry eyes a boost thru DOST-FPRDI project
Bamboo growers, manufacturers, artisans, and traders in Laguna can expect better days up ahead as the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FPRDI) is working on a project that aims to strengthen the province’s bamboo industry. With a budget of Php 2.1 million, the project has so far mapped out the industry and analyzed the constraints facing different bamboo stakeholders — from farmers and suppliers, to the market, and to end-users. It has also studied the current status and prospects of each bamboo enterprise, and consequently identified firm-level and industry-wide interventions based on their needs. “Currently, there are 95 bamboo-based businesses in the province. This number alone suggests how much potential the province has in terms of developing its bamboo industry thru the support of the local government unit (LGU) and other private and government organizations,” explained DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan. Recently, DOST-FPRDI initiated a forum attended by 28 bamboo enterprises and 70 LGU representatives from Laguna. Institute Deputy Director Rico J. Cabangon presented the different bamboo technologies and technical assistance that the DOST-FPRDI offers to the bamboo-based industry, while Community Environment & Natural Resources Officer For. Venerando Garcia presented relevant rules and policies affecting the bamboo industry. On the other hand, Department of Trade and Industry Laguna’s Emmanuel Lee Lapitan discussed various bamboo products that are in-demand locally and abroad, and the services that can be availed from DTI. Meanwhile, Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, former DOST-FPRDI Director and current Chair of the Bamboo Professionals, Inc., presented a proposal for the establishment of a Laguna Bamboo Industry Development Council that will be reviewed by the Provincial Government. Aside from DOST-FPRDI director Dr. Aggangan and Dr. Cabangon, other officials were present during the said occasion like Technical Services Division Chief Dr. Maria Cielito G. Siladan and Technology Innovation Division Chief Dr. Loreto A. Novicio. Also present during the forum were Laguna Provincial Governor Ramil L. Hernandez, DOST-Laguna’s Provincial Director Samuel L. Caperiña, and DOST-PCAARRD’s Rebeka A. Paller and Geoffrey Gacayan, among others. The project is being led by Drs. Ma. Cecile B. Zamora and Carl Anthony O. Lantican and is funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon, DOST-FPRDI)
DOST-FPRDI RE-OPENS FIRE TESTING LAB
Every year, hundreds of Filipinos die and billions of pesos worth of properties are lost because of fires. To help reduce the amount of agony and loss caused by fire incidents, DOST-FPRDI has recently re-opened its fire testing lab, the only one of its kind in the country.“Our newly re-opened lab is still in its infancy – right now, it only has basic equipment for verifying the fire resistance of small samples from wall panels, but I think it’s a good start,” says DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan. “The lab brings more affordable services to players in the construction industry who otherwise will have to send their samples for testing in accredited labs in Singapore and Malaysia.”More accessible services will mean local building contractors and construction materials developers are more able to follow the National Fire and Building Codes, leading to better enforcement of fire safety laws.DOST-FPRDI pioneered fire testing research in the Philippines in 1961, and for many years, it provided testing services to the construction industry. It had to stop in recent years, however, as its outdated machines could no longer keep up with industry requirements.According to DOST-FPRDI’s Ms. Shirley A. Pelayo, “With our newly acquired and designed equipment, we can now give more effective fire testing services to our clients. We also look forward to an upgraded lab in the near future as we have just recently submitted to a funding partner a proposal to purchase more modern equipment. We are excited just thinking that as we improve our facility, we can help our clients follow basic fire safety rules, leading to more protected lives and property.” (Rizalina K. Araral)###
DOST-FPRDI TO CELEBRATE 66TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LIKHA FESTIVAL
The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) will mark its 66th Anniversary this year by showcasing the usefulness of science in the country’s creative industry. Dubbed “LIKHA: Forest Products Innovation Reimagined”, the event will run from July 3- 7, 2023 and will feature how the Institute’s R&D Programs are relevant for creating high quality, innovative and sustainable forest products. LIKHA stands for local, innovative, knowledge-based, holistic and adaptive.Activities include:Himig Kawayan: Tradition and Innovation in Indigenous Bamboo Music – screening of two short films featuring indigenous bamboo musical instrument (BMI) masters from the Majukayong tribe in the Cordillera, and T’boli tribe from South Cotabato. The event will also feature performances from DOST-FPRDI’s Himig Agham Kawayan, a home-grown group that uses BMI prototypes crafted by the Institute (July 3, 8am-12nn, D.L. Umali Auditorium, UP Los Banos).LIKHA Exhibit – displays select DOST-FPRDI creative products such as bamboo musical instruments, flavors and fragrances from the forests, bamboo furniture, and carved items using alternative wood species. It also features the Institute’s technical services such as wood identification, testing, and technology transfer (July 3, 8am-12nn, D.L. Umali Auditorium, UP Los Banos).Ilawang Kawayan Design Contest – exhibit highlighting ten innovative bamboo lighting fixtures designed by young creatives from universities in Region IV-A and NCR (July 3-7, Sining Makiling Gallery, UP Los Banos). 17th F. Tamolang Technical Poster Contest – features select R&D and technology transfer projects of the Institute (July 3, 1:30pm, DOST-FPRDI hallway).Foresee, Foresea Exhibit – showcases different sustainable designs made from sawmill wastes and other underutilized materials from the forest (July 4, 10am, Forest Products Innovation Center, DOST-FPRDI).SINAG: Kaalaman sa Sining at Agham ng Mapanlikhang Produktong Gubat – a webinar featuring Filipino artisan perfumer Oscar Mejia III, and industrial designer and UP Professor Fortunato Tito de la Peña, Jr. (July 4, 1:30PM via Zoom).“The DOST-FPRDI has always been at the forefront of sustainable forest products utilization. From focusing on the more known uses such as construction and furniture, our agency is exploring forest products’ other potential uses, such as food, essential oils, and musical instruments, among others. With sustainability in mind, we are also tapping other viable materials like bamboo, vines, and tree plantation species,” said DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan.“We will not stop reimagining, creating and finding opportunities to merge science and technology, innovation and art to benefit our client industries and the Filipino public,” Aggangan added. (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon)
DOST-FPRDI TO FEATURE BAMBOO IN DESIGN CONTEST AND EXHIBIT
The DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) is launching a design contest that centers on the use of bamboo as main material.Thru the Ilawang Kawayan Design Contest, the Institute is looking for highly innovative light fixture designs that are functional and aesthetically appealing. The designs will feature bamboo —one of the country’s most commercially and ecologically important forest products.Over the years, the DOST-FPRDI has been studying the properties of bamboo, including techniques to properly process, dry and preserve it. The Institute also continues to look into its many applications such as for construction and musical instruments. “Our agency believes in the creativity and innovativeness of the Filipinos. We know that with the right support from the science community, our local creative industries can develop even more products. We hope to open opportunities, and meet young creatives and innovators thru the Ilawang Kawayan Design Contest,” explained DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan.In the Philippines, creative industries include visual arts, advertising, animation, crafts, cultural/heritage activities, design, film, literature, music and performing arts, among others. They are recognized for having the potential to “create wealth and jobs through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property.” Ilawang Kawayan is one of DOST-FPRDI’s main activities in celebration of its 66th Anniversary from July 3-7, 2023. Ten shortlisted entries will be showcased in an exhibit at the D.L. Umali Auditorium in UP Los Banos, which will be open to the public starting July 3. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon)
Philippines Progress Report on HMP
Philippines Progress Report on Legality Timber
