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DOST-FPRDI pushes for science-based research, tests, for fire-safe construction
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The recent fire incident in Hong Kong has sparked conversations over the use of bamboo poles in construction. People are concerned— how safe is bamboo against fire?
The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has been advancing research initiatives to ensure that bamboo remains not only a sustainable and affordable material, but also a fire-safe construction and building component.
Through research and development, the Institute has been exploring ways to develop fire-retardant technologies that will slow down or stop the spread of fire and reduce its intensity by interfering with combustion. One of DOST-FPRDI’s previous studies focused on developing a fire-retardant using nano-sized montmorillonite clay— an affordable, less toxic alternative to imported chemicals. It is a protective layer designed to slow ignition and minimize flame spread. According to the study, the application of nanoclays in wood products can enhance their fire resistance. While this patented study was initially focused on wood, the same technology is now being considered for bamboo applications.
Building on these efforts, the DOST FPRDI is also developing bamboo-based cellulose nanofiber aerogel from kauayan-tinik (Bambusa spinosa Roxb.) as a sustainable and less hazardous fire-retardant additive for construction insulation, including bamboo materials. Designed to be safe for humans and the environment, this technology can potentially help builders, homeowners, and communities make safer homes.
Ensuring that every material meets safety standards, the Institute also operates the Fire Testing Laboratory. The lab evaluates the fire resistance of wood and non-wood materials, including bamboo, by applying a small match-sized flame to vertically oriented specimens for 15 or 30 seconds. It examines ignitability, which determines how easily a material catches fire, and combustibility, which assesses how easily a material ignites and burns by exposing it to heat.
Filipino Science to get its own scent thru DOST project
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A new collaboration will give Filipino science a scent of its own.
The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has partnered with artisan perfumer Oscar Mejia III to translate the discipline, passion, and brilliance of Filipino scientists into a world-class fragrance collection made from local forest resources.
While science is often associated with numbers, formulas, and technical data, DOST-FPRDI’s “Art of Olfaction” workshop revealed another perspective—science experienced through the senses.
“Science often feels distant to the public, but scent is immediate—emotional, familiar, and deeply human. By capturing the Filipino spirit in a bottle, we hope to make science more personal and relatable. This initiative honors the grit and passion of the men and women driving our country’s innovation,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. “Through science, we can harness our local aromatic plants and show how research fuels new industries, creates jobs, and strengthens the market for homegrown raw materials.”
DOST-FPRDI bares sustainable innovations for fragrance industry
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The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) bannered its sustainable innovations for the creative industry during the National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTW) celebration in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Last November 20, the Institute gathered perfume and essential oils enthusiasts thru the Scents and Sounds: Forest Products for the Creative Industry forum. The event highlighted DOST-FPRDI’s science-based innovations in fragrances and presented various local aromatic plants that can be processed into essential oils.
“Along with leading local perfumers, DOST-FPRDI is helping lay the ground for a fragrance industry that embraces green innovation and celebrates both nature and culture,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. “To local entrepreneurs venturing into the fragrance business, I invite you to partner with DOST-FPRDI and explore how technologies can open new income streams for the fragrance industry,” he added.
“At DOST-FPRDI, we ensure that the process of extracting oils is both sustainable and ethical. We continue to study how forest resources can be used for innovative and market-ready products to support the livelihood of local communities,” explained DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon.
