The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) recently formalized a partnership with an Abra-based cooperative—a move that is expected to develop the wood finishing industry.
Through a Memorandum of Agreement, the expertise of the Namarabar Indigo Natural Dye Producers Cooperative (NINDPC) in cultivating, harvesting and extracting natural dyes will be tapped. Said support will help the DOST-FPRDI in formulating eco-friendly wood stains.
Natural dyes from plants are valuable non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Studies have recorded about 65 local dye-producing plant species traditionally used in fabric dyeing.
“Despite the availability of plant sources, the Philippines still heavily imports dyes for furniture and handicraft coatings or finishes. Locally produced stains from synthetic dyes, meanwhile, often contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that may have adverse health effects,” said Project Leader and Forester Aralyn L. Quintos-Cortiguerra.
This prompted DOST-FPRDI to develop wood stains from locally sourced natural dyes.
“Natural dyes present a sustainable alternative due to their renewability and minimal environmental impact,” noted Cortiguerra. “The natural dye-based wood stains offer unique colors that enhance natural wood grain, and have lower VOC emissions than commercially available wood stains. They are more eco-friendly because they come from natural sources and use fewer chemicals during production.”
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said that the initiative is both a “win for the planet and for people.”
“The Department is proud to be part of a collaboration that responds to the growing demand for environment-friendly products. By developing natural wood stain, we are not only offering sustainable alternatives, we are also creating new opportunities for local communities to engage in green innovation,” said Secretary Solidum.
During the activity, Mr. Luis Agaid, Jr. of NINDPC demonstrated the process of making natural dyes via soaking and boiling. He also assisted the DOST-FPRDI team in collecting herbarium samples of key dye raw materials, including Philippine, Japanese and Indian indigo, as well as teak, sappan, lagundi, tawa-tawa, and talisay.
“By using indigenous natural dyes in wood stain formulations, the Philippines can significantly decrease its reliance on imported and synthetic colorants. The Institute and the NINDPC are both committed to promote sustainable, locally sourced wood stain products for the benefit of local industries and the environment,” ended DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon.
The activity is part of the DOST-PCIEERD-funded project "Development of Eco-friendly Wood Stain from Natural Dyes".
### 
DOST-FPRDI, NINDPC and DOST-CAR officially sealed their partnership for the DOST-PCIEERD-funded project "Development of Eco-friendly Wood Stain from Natural Dyes" last June 3, 2025. Present during the MOA signing were Engr. Aileen Myrna P. Malangen and Engr. Engread Bangniwan of DOST-Abra; NINDPC Tribe Member Ms. Ernalyn Bataller; NINDPC Chair Mr. Luis Agaid, Jr.; DOST-FPRDI Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon; DOST-FPRDI Technology Innovation Division Chief Dr. Loreto A. Novicio; and DOST-FPRDI Project Leader For. Aralyn Q. Cortiguerra.
NINDPC Chair Mr. Luis Agaid Jr. (leftmost) demonstrates the process of making natural dyes.
