Two innovations from the Department of Science and Technology– Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) have recently secured patents from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), highlighting the Institute’s continuing efforts to turn forest resources into practical solutions for the local industry and the public.
Designed to strengthen local essential oil production and transform an invasive tree species into a useful material, the technologies were granted Letters Patent Invention No. 1/2019/000028 for the “Controlled Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) Cum Distillation Apparatus” and Letters Patent Invention No. 1/2022/050253 for the “Lapnis (Broussonetia papyrifera) Framed Face Shield and the Process thereof”. These patents give DOST-FPRDI exclusive rights over the manufacture, use, sale, and importation of the technologies and products derived from their processes.
“Our goal is to protect and enhance the value of innovations developed by Filipinos,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. “The CSTR apparatus strengthens their competitive edge, while the lapnis face shield transforms an invasive species into a more sustainable alternative to plastic. Innovation drives national progress when it is adopted, scaled, and translated into real opportunities for our local enterprises.”
Advancing Local Essential Oil Production
In the Philippines, small-scale essential oil producers often face high equipment costs and quality issues caused by traditional boiling methods that can damage delicate plant materials. The patented CSTR Cum Distillation Apparatus was developed to address these challenges.
The semi-automated, multi-functional system combines the functions of an industrial reactor and a distillation unit in one machine. Its modular design allows users to perform product mixing and oil extraction in a single setup, which significantly reduces capital investment.
The apparatus can extract essential oils from a wide range of materials, including leaves, flowers, bark, fruits, and resins. It can also be used for mixing substances at a controlled temperature. Unlike conventional water distillation where plant materials are boiled directly, the system uses a screen tray that suspends heat-sensitive materials above the water. Steam rises through the tray to release the oils, preserving their aroma and chemical integrity and producing higher-quality extracts suitable for the market.
“Through our Flavors and Fragrance from the Forest Program (F3TP), we unlock the potential of untapped forest resources such as gums, resins, and oils for the health and wellness industry,” noted DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon.
“Part of it is identifying gaps in existing technologies and developing innovations like the CSTR apparatus. We want to equip local producers with tools that can professionalize their operations and improve production efficiency,” he added.
Even before its IP protection grant, the technology is already proving its worth in the hands of local entrepreneurs. In 2024, Ms. Glenda Esperida, owner of Green Beauty Wellness and Center and one of the DOST-FPRDI’s incubatees, adopted the technology through the DOST-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). By using the system, her company was able to improve production efficiency while maintaining the premium quality of essential oils extracted from Manila elemi (pili) resin.
The team of Dr. Anniver Ryan P. Lapuz, Rebecca B. Lapuz, Calixto T. Lulo, and Audel V. Mosteiro developed the CSTR apparatus.
Turning Invasive Species into Sustainable PPE Materials
DOST-FPRDI is also advancing innovations on health and safety by turning forest resources into sustainable materials for personal protective equipment (PPE). One example is the patented Lapnis- [Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Herit ex Vent] Framed Face Shield, which was developed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also known as paper mulberry, lapnis is a tree introduced in the Philippines as a reforestation species and a source of fiber. Over the years, however, it has come to be known as a pest, thriving uncontrollably and invading vast tracts of idle lands in the country. The face shield uses frames made from the trunk of lapnis.
This innovation addresses multiple challenges at once. It provides effective protection for users, reduces reliance on plastic-based PPE, and creates economic opportunities for landowners affected by lapnis infestation. Aside from being a PPE, the face shield can also be used for industrial and workplace safety as it could protect users from chemical splashes, metal sparks, wood chips, and other debris.
The face shield design was developed by Engr. Cesar O. Austria, Engr. Jovito A. Elec, Elizabeth N. Dioso and Raniel Allen M. Narvaez, with support from the Good Agri-Aqua Livelihood Initiatives towards National Goals (GALING) Program of DOST-PCAARRD.
DOST-FPRDI is also exploring the potential of lapnis for other high-value applications using its leaves and bark.
Meanwhile, Director Cabangon shared, “Whenever DOST-FPRDI generates a technology or an idea, we ensure to apply for its protection. We have many applications currently under review, and we hope to secure more patents in the future.”
As a leading institution in the sustainable use of wood and non-wood forest products, DOST-FPRDI ensures that its innovations are not only legally protected but also strategically positioned for commercial use, helping the forest-based allied industry become more competitive in domestic and global markets. ### (Angelique B. Evangelista, 11 March 2026)
DOST-FPRDI team tests the CSTR Cum Distillation Apparatus and runs a pilot extraction of pili oil at Green Beauty and Wellness Center in Sorsogon.
Nearly 10,700 Lapnis face shields were produced and distributed to communities in CALABARZON and other regions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
