The MOU signing last 12 February 2025 was led by DOST-FPRDI Director Cabangon (5th from left) and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II (4 th from left). It was attended by DOST-FPRDI researchers and management team, and UP Diliman academic staff.
The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) strengthens its commitment to advance research and academic collaboration through a newly forged partnership with the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD).
Thru the partnership, nanotechnology applications on forest products and materials science will be further explored. Discussions are also underway to enhance the Kapok fiber adsorbent technology, which is currently being studied by UPD for oil spill remediation. This aims to make the technology more sustainable and widely adopted.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. highlighted the partnership as a key step toward innovative solutions that directly benefit people's lives. “The collaboration between DOST-FPRDI and UPD paves the way for creating innovative and sustainable solutions that address pressing societal needs. By combining our expertise and resources, we can develop technologies that not only push the boundaries of forest products research but also safeguard our environment,” he said.
The endeavor was initiated with the Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering-College of Engineering and formalized through a signed Memorandum of Understanding by DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon and UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II. Said collaboration will pave the way for joint research initiatives, access to facilities and equipment, knowledge exchange through lectures and symposia, and hands-on learning opportunities for students.
“This collaboration between DOST-FPRDI and UPD is expected to foster a dynamic research environment that will not only push technological advancements, but will also inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. Thru knowledge-sharing, the two institutions aim to unlock new frontiers in forest products research—transforming raw materials into high-value applications to foster resilient industries and thriving communities,” said Institute Director Rico J. Cabangon.
Meanwhile, UPD Chancellor Prof. Vistan emphasized the significance of the collaboration. He mentioned the possibility of tapping the technical expertise of DOST-FPRDI to identify wood trees within campus that need be removed due to pest infestation. According to him, this move will support improved forest management and sustainability within the University.
The DOST-FPRDI is the research and development arm of the DOST and is part of the Philippine government’s efforts to build a strong science and technology ecosystem in the country. It remains at the forefront of scientific research on wood and non-wood utilization and conservation, pioneering initiatives that promote the responsible use of forest resources while safeguarding the biodiversity. For more information, please visit https://fprdi.dost.gov.ph/ or collaborate with DOST-FPRDI thru This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ### (Glenn B. Manongsong, 20 February 2025)