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DOST-FPRDI features successful technology adopters in online video series
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The DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) is putting a human face to technology adoption through its video series on Facebook.
Yamang Gubat is a four-part video series that showcases DOST-FPRDI innovations. In its latest episodes, adopters of the Institute’s Eco-Dryer and Charcoal Briquetting Technology were featured.
The Eco-Dryer is a low-cost drying technology appropriate for non-wood raw materials and products such as bamboo and handicrafts. It is suitable for small businesses, and can be customized based on client requirements.
Meanwhile, the Charcoal Briquetting Technology (CBT) converts agro-forest wastes into charcoal briquettes. These wastes include coconut shells, coconut husks, corn cobs and sawdusts.
DOST-FPRDI researchers strengthen publication-ready writing skills
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The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s (DOST-FPRDI) researchers strengthened their technical writing skills in a four-day workshop held last January 12-15, 2026.
The iSPEAK Science: Technical Writing for Publications provided the participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of the technical writing and publishing process. The sessions focused not only on grammar and language, but also on enhancing the clarity, structure, and scientific argumentation of manuscripts. This allowed the participants to refine their technical papers.
In his welcome message, DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon noted that publishing in internationally reviewed journals reflects rigorous, high-quality research that has undergone a strict review process.
“Such publications enhance credibility, increase the impact of work, and are also crucial for career advancement. Through this 4-day workshop, we aim to strengthen our ability to craft papers intended for submission to ISI-indexed journals,” noted Cabangon.
During the workshop, DOST-FPRDI researchers delved into the fundamentals of scientific writing, laying the foundation for a sound paper, and techniques for effective data visualization.
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.
