DOST FPRDI’s new Director Rico J. Cabangon (left) took his oath of office before DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. on 31 October 2024 at the DOST Central Office in Taguig City
The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rico J. Cabangon as its new Director, effective 28 October 2024. He took his oath of office before DOST Secretary Rene U. Solidum, Jr. last 31 October 2024 at the DOST Central Office in Taguig City.
Cabangon has served as Officer-in-Charge since January 2024 and Deputy Director of DOST-FPRDI since August 2021. His leadership in the development and promotion of bamboo technologies has been instrumental in advancing research initiatives focused on bamboo and other forest-based products, positioning him as a leading expert in this field.
He is also the first Filipino expert to receive the ISO Excellence Award from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for his work as the Convener and Project Leader of the ISO TC 296 Working Group on Bamboo for Furniture. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to international standards in the bamboo industry.
He recently received the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the UPLB- College of Forestry and Natural Resources (Public Sector) for his visionary leadership and work in the field of sustainable and innovative forest products processing and R&D.
A leading figure in both national and international forestry circles, Cabangon chairs the Bureau of Philippine Standards Technical Committee on Bamboo and Rattan (TC 76) that led to the development of the first Philippine National Standard for Bamboo. Said standard became the foundation for creating international standards for laminated bamboo for furniture.
Looking ahead, Cabangon is committed to advancing DOST-FPRDI’s mission to support its stakeholders thru science, technology and innovation. He aims to continue fostering innovation and developing technologies that will help propel the forest industry forward. ### (Kathleen Princess R. Aldama, 7 November 2024)
Present during the oath taking were DOST key officials including (from L-R) Assistant Secretary for Development Cooperation Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr.; Technology Application and Promotion Institute Director Atty. Marion Ivy D. Decena; Assistant Secretary for Administrative and Legal Affairs Dr. Diana L. Ignacio; Undersecretary for Special Concerns Dr. Teodoro Gatchalian; DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.; Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah J. Buendia; Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr.; and Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun.
