The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) celebrates its 63rd anniversary this year with a series of events that highlight its commitment to better serve its clients in the midst of the pandemic.
“During these difficult days, we are witnesses to how the nation manages to stay afloat through social solidarity,” said DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan. “This year’s anniversary celebrates the Filipino people’s innate bayanahin spirit, as it also underlines the Institute’s unwavering support to help the public battle the effects of COVID-19.”
With the theme “Bigkisan at Damayan sa Gitna ng Pandemya”, the anniversary is also a way of recognizing the DOST’s contributions towards stopping the spread of the deadly virus.
Anniversary events include the following:
Series of training-webinars on bamboo-framed face shield production
The Institute’s Technology and Manpower Delivery Services Section (TMDSS) is conducting a weekly technology-webinar on the FPRDI bamboo-framed face shield production until November.
Aside from the face shield production, other topics are charcoal production and briquetting, fossilized leaves processing, engineered bamboo production, handmade paper production, bamboo furniture making, wood and non-wood preservation and treatment, anti-microbial personal hygiene products, and basic finishing.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for forestry professionals
The DOST-FPRDI, thru the TMDSS, has recently been accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission as a CPD provider for forestry professionals. CPD units are required for foresters renewing their professional licensure cards.
The Institute is offering training-webinars with CPD units for FREE. Sessions on wood preservation and treatment have already been conducted in early October, while trainings on handmade paper making will be held on November 11 and 12.
Bamboo Musical Instruments (BMI) Webinar and Virtual Concert
Fusing science with the arts, the BMI Webinar and Virtual Concert are a celebration of the country’s indigenous music. The events aim to raise public awareness and appreciation for the cultural and socio-economic importance of bamboo musical instruments.
Dubbed “Pantugtog Kawayan ni Juan: Usapang Kultura at Kabuhayan”, the Webinar will be on November 12, with Datu Waway Saway of the Talaandig tribe and Prof. Siegfredo B. Calabig of Banda Kawayan Pilipinas as speakers.
The Virtual Concert, meanwhile, will happen on November 24. Both events will be streamed live at DOST-FPRDI’s official Facebook page.
Technology Forums and Appreciation Webinars cum Technology Clinics
To further assist local businessmen with technologies to improve their operations, the Institute conducted virtual technology forums on bamboo and other FPRDI technologies in July and September.
Appreciation webinars are also being held to showcase FPRDI technologies to interested entrepreneurs and start-ups. The last session on October 28 features topics that aim to provide a deeper understanding of wood as used in construction and furniture, and an informative topic on wood panel products in the market.
Forest Products Research Chair Lecture
A public lecture on local handicraft producers will be delivered by For. Jennifer M. Conda on November 4. Titled “Status of Community-Based Handicraft Producers in Selected Bicol Provinces”, the lecture will tackle some issues confronted by the handicraft makers, as well as possible interventions to help them.
Inauguration of new DOST-FPRDI facilities
Two new DOST-FPRDI facilities will be launched on November 3 — the Forest Products Innovation Center (FPIC) and the Bamboo Musical Instruments (BMI) Processing Facility. The FPIC will house modern equipment and innovative products on furniture, handicraft and construction.
The BMI Processing Facility, meanwhile, will feature a mini-museum where students, ethnic music enthusiasts, and the public can appreciate the bamboo instruments, as well as the technologies that will improve their production.
The Technology Business Incubator marker will also be unveiled on the same day.
For a more detailed schedule of activities, the public may check DOST-FPRDI’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fprdi), or may contact Dr. Maria Cielito G. Siladan, Anniversary Program Committee Chair at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon, 12 October 2020)
