The DOST–Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) actively promoted green innovation and sustainability during the FragCon Philippines: Anahaw Bloom “Fragrance Full Bloom” event held last June 15, 2025, at The Elements, Fortune Hall, Centris, Quezon City.

The event brought together a diverse community of fragrance enthusiasts, perfumers, vloggers, content creators, and esteemed guest speakers from both the private and government sectors. Around 400 participants attended the gathering, which featured 28 booths showcasing local perfume brands.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. recognized the potential of the fragrance industry in contributing to the growth of the country’s economy.

“The perfume industry in the Philippines is more than a symbol of luxury — it represents a growing sector that generates employment and supports allied industries from agriculture to retail,” said Secretary Solidum.

He added, “The DOST is ready to provide innovations — from precision scent formulation to sustainable sourcing— so that local perfumers can scale up their businesses and compete globally.”

DOST-FPRDI’s Director Rico J. Cabangon also highlighted the Institute’s strong commitment to advance eco-friendly practices through research-driven solutions.

“The Philippines' rich biodiversity offers a unique advantage in developing sustainable and culturally relevant fragrances. By focusing on native aromatic plants, the fragrance industry can create unique scent profiles that will differentiate Filipino fragrances in the global market, and empower indigenous communities that propagate and produce these aromatic raw materials,” Director Cabangon stated.

Among others, Cabangon noted DOST-FPRDI’s Green Fragrances R&D that is looking into the green method of extracting essential oils. Through this initiative, the Institute is developing fragrances from select aromatic plant species using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) — an eco-friendly approach that guarantees higher and better recovery rate, faster extraction time, and lower operating costs than traditional methods.

During the event, a perfume-making contest was conducted that allowed participants to craft their signature scents using premium oils and materials provided on-site.

The activity was facilitated by Claire Mavreen of Claire Olfaction, and judged by four prominent Filipino perfumers: Oscar Mejia III of Scentsories, Inc., Shale Albao of Tadhana Fragrance, Renator Lopena Jr. of Wren Atelier, and Bernadette Lim of BC Fragrance.

Aside from Cabangon, representing DOST-FPRDI during the event were For. Florena B. Samiano, Mr. Edmark C. Kamantigue and Dr. Carl Anthony O. Lantican. ### (Florena B. Samiano, 17 June 2025)

From left to right: Ms. Claire Mavreen of Claire Olfaction, Ms. Bernadette Lim of BC Fragrance, Ms. Shale Albao of Tadhana Fragrances, Mr. Renato Lopena Jr. of Wren Atelier, DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon, DTI-Rizal Provincial Director Cleotilde M. Duran, and Mr. Oscar Mejia III of Scentsories, Inc.