Studies related to biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources will be highlighted: propagation of forest vines in Bicol for handicraft and furniture production; bullet-resistent vest developed using the widely available and renewable bamboo; and currency base paper (CBP) using combined fibers of locally available plant materials. The Institute will also feature its newest program on Bamboo Musical Instruments Innovation Research and Development.
He cited, for example, the Institute’s efforts in making the country’s own paper money using fibers from abaca (Musa textilis Nee), salago (Wikstroemia spp.) and mangium (Acacia mangium).
“For decades, we have depended on imported CBP to make our own paper money. With our promising research result, however, we are planning to team up with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to make our own CBP using 100% locally available fibers,” explained Aggangan.
Meanwhile, the Institute is also bent on helping local craftsmen find new sources of raw materials.
“The Institute is leading a project aimed at determining the volume and location of significant forest vines in the Bicol region, as well as studying the factors affecting their natural growth and regeneration,” he stressed.
Bannering the theme “Science for the People: Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development”, the NSTW highlights latest innovations in technologies, products and research to help achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
“We invite science enthusiasts, businessmen, technology investors, and furniture and handicraft makers to visit our booth and see how FPRDI-developed technologies can make the way they do things a lot simpler,” Aggangan ended.
Interactive exhibits, scientific meetings, technology demonstrations, and fora await visitors. The NSTW admission is free and is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. >### (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon, 01 July 2019)
