The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) will soon launch three new facilities meant to boost the productivity of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Collectively called the DOST-FPRDI Technovation Hub, the facilities aim to provide upgraded services and technologies to serve MSMEs in the local forest-based and related industries.
“MSMEs have taken the brunt in the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a United Nations Development Program report, majority of these enterprises have either ‘shuttered for good, closed temporarily, or reduced their workforce or capacity because of COVID-19 and its restrictions,’” explained DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan.
“At this crucial time, the Institute would like to help small businesses bounce back thru our technical expertise and new facilities. Technovation — which blends ‘technology’ and ‘innovation’ — is exactly how we envision to support the MSMEs in the forest-based and allied sectors. We believe that with innovation and technological support, small businesses can boost their productivity and become stronger players locally and even globally,” he added.
The DOST-FPRDI Technovation Hub includes the Forest Products Innovation and Training Center (FPITC), Bamboo Musical Instruments (BMI) Processing Center, and Forest Products Technology Business Incubation (FPTBI).
The FPITC has state-of-the-art precision machines, such as CNC machine and laser engraver, to create high-end furniture, gifts, toys and housing components. It likewise houses processing technologies, such as the the bamboo veneering and flattening machines, UV curing equipment for high quality finishes, and the dual heated hot press for higher efficiency in engineered bamboo manufacture.
The BMI Processing Center, on the other hand, is for businesses that wish to adopt the Institute’s technologies for improving the processing, durability, aesthetics and sound quality of select bamboo musical instruments.
The third facility, FPTBI, is where start-ups are hosted and business development services are provided. MSMEs can access the following support services thru the FPTBI: testing laboratories; technical expertise on DOST-FPRDI technologies; training and mentoring on feasibility study preparation, product development, business and marketing, and office space and facilities.
“To all the MSMEs, technopreneurs and innovators in the forest-based and related industries, we are earnestly inviting you to check how our new facilities can help expand your businesses,” Aggangan ended.
Know more about the DOST-FPRDI Technovation Hub during its virtual launch on 05 July 2021, 8:00AM, live at DOST-FPRDI’s official Facebook page.
For inquiries, you may e-mail DOST-FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan 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, 19 April 2021 [ed. 02 June 2021)
