A new collaboration will give Filipino science a scent of its own.
The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has partnered with artisan perfumer Oscar Mejia III to translate the discipline, passion, and brilliance of Filipino scientists into a world-class fragrance collection made from local forest resources.
While science is often associated with numbers, formulas, and technical data, DOST-FPRDI’s “Art of Olfaction” workshop revealed another perspective—science experienced through the senses.
“Science often feels distant to the public, but scent is immediate—emotional, familiar, and deeply human. By capturing the Filipino spirit in a bottle, we hope to make science more personal and relatable. This initiative honors the grit and passion of the men and women driving our country’s innovation,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. “Through science, we can harness our local aromatic plants and show how research fuels new industries, creates jobs, and strengthens the market for homegrown raw materials.”
Thru a guided storytelling workshop, the participants created fragrance concepts that connected symbols of discovery, perseverance, and nation-building with local scents. Each fragrance concept reflected a narrative of scientific curiosity, of service to the Filipino people, and of pushing boundaries to solve real-world challenges.
According to project leader Edmark Kamantigue, the developed fragrance profiles will be used to create a perfume collection dedicated to the Men and Women of Science. This collection, which will use local aromatic plants, is set to be launched in 2026.
“This work shows how science can become life-changing and industry-shaping,” shared DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon. “If research can lead to products that are culturally meaningful, market-ready, and globally competitive, then we are helping build a future where innovation directly improves lives and communities.”
The DOST-FPRDI is a research and development arm of the DOST and is part of the government’s efforts to build a strong science and technology ecosystem in the country. The Institute continues to promote responsible forest use and biodiversity conservation through science-based innovation.
For more information, please visit our website at https://fprdi.dost.gov.ph/ or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ### (Edmark C. Kamatigue & Maria Greatchin S. Brucal, 19 November 2025
Mr. Oscar Mejia III, a finalist for the Asian Perfume Federation’s Niche Perfumer Award 2025, is working with DOST-FPRDI researchers to merge olfactory art with advanced forestry science
DOST-FPRDI researchers explaining their mood boards that represent the men and women of science
