The DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) is putting a human face to technology adoption through its video series on Facebook.
Yamang Gubat is a four-part video series that showcases DOST-FPRDI innovations. In its latest episodes, adopters of the Institute’s Eco-Dryer and Charcoal Briquetting Technology were featured.
The Eco-Dryer is a low-cost drying technology appropriate for non-wood raw materials and products such as bamboo and handicrafts. It is suitable for small businesses, and can be customized based on client requirements.
Meanwhile, the Charcoal Briquetting Technology (CBT) converts agro-forest wastes into charcoal briquettes. These wastes include coconut shells, coconut husks, corn cobs and sawdusts.
Mr. Wataru Sakuma of MASAECO Inc. shared that adopting the Institute’s Eco-dryer increased their production capacity threefold compared to their output before its use. MASAECO, which produces sustainable paper products such as wall art, wallpaper, lamps, frames, and other home accessories for mainly international markets, first adopted the Eco-dryer in 2015 and added another unit in 2016.
In another episode, Mr. Galor Engracia of Thega Coconut Farm explored how CBT helped in converting the farm’s abundant supply of coconut shells into charcoal briquettes. They are now selling the charcoal briquettes under the trade name “Super Uling PH”.
“When the forest-based industry expresses how DOST-FPRDI innovations helped in their enterprises, they provide proof that science is a powerful driver of productivity and inclusive growth,” said DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon.
DOST-FPRDI is a research and development institute under DOST that focuses on developing technologies to support sustainable and innovative use of forest resources.
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.. ### (Kathleen Joy B. Bitao, 20 January 2026)
Engr. Amando Allan DM. Bondad (Right) with Mr. Galor Engracia (Middle) and his staff during the test-run for the newly installed Hydraulic-type Charcoal Briquetter at Thega Coconut Farm in Laiya, Batangas.
One of the two DOST-FPRDI Eco-Dryers is installed at MASAECO Inc. in Indang, Cavite.
