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The DOST has recently conferred the International Publication Award to DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) staff who were able to publish their research outputs in the Web of Science/Clarivate Analytics or Scopus indexed journals.

Among the articles authored by the Institute researchers are: 

  • Jimenez Jr, J.P. (2023). Drying Characteristics of Pandan (Pandanus simplex) Leaves Using the DOST-FPRDI Furnace-type Dryer. Philippine Journal of Science, 152. 
  • Pelayo, S. A., Micosa, S.C., Alejo, K.G., & Omalin, A.P. (2023). Efficacy against Molds and Decay Fungi of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Formulations Applied on Forest Woody Vines. Philippine Journal of Science, 152(1). 
  • Marasigan, O.S., Alipon, M. A., Bondad, E.O., Hopia, K. A., & Mundin, M.A.M. (2024). Physical and Mechanical Properties of Thirteen Senile Fruit-Bearing Trees in the Philippines and their Potential Uses. Journal of Tropical Forest Science, 36(1), 91-104. 
  • Delica, K.M., Balagot, K.W.M. & Lapuz, R.B. (2023). Investigation of Chemical Components of Hexane Extract from the Stem of Arcangelisia flava via Phytochemical Test, GC-MS Analysis, FTIR Fingerprinting, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity. Philippine Journal of Science, 152(5), 1919-1929. 
  • Delica-Balagot, K.M., Halasan, H.G.M., Martinez, C.M.J., Collera, J.J.A., Balagot, K.W.M., Kamantigue, E.C., Samiano, F.B. & Lapuz, R.B. (2024). Effect of Drying Methods on the Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Leaf of Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis). Philippine Journal of Science, 153(3), 1217–1225. 
  • Balagot, K.W.M., Delica, K.M., Lapuz, R.B., Lapuz, A.R.P., Ramos, R.E. & Domingo, E.P. (2023). Isolation of Nanocellulose by Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Bleached Musa textilis (Abaca) Pulp. Philippine Journal of Science, 152(5), 1873–1883. 
  • Balagot, K.W.M., Emprese, M.C., Delica-Balagot, K.M, Cuaresma, C.A. & Mari, E.L. (2024). Preliminary Study on the Chemical Properties of Non-Oak Wood Species: Suitability for Wooden Barrel Production. Philippine Journal of Science 153(3): 1227 – 1236.

Aiming to equip researchers with the skills to effectively report their scientific work through basic science news writing, the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) held a two-day workshop titled iSPEAK SCIENCE: Storytelling through Science News Writing at the Institute’s Conference Hall last November 3-⁠4.

On the first day, BusinessMirror’s Lyn Resurreccion shared insights into the local media landscape, newsworthiness and the editorial process for crafting compelling stories. UPLB College of Development Communication (UPLB-CDC) Assistant Professors John Mervin L. Embate and Reianne Quilloy, meanwhile, facilitated the workshop and led the discussion on the fundamentals of science communication, basic grammar rules, sentence construction and principles.

On the second day, the discussion focused on news writing, news feature writing and photojournalism, emphasizing clear article structure and capturing visuals that enhance storytelling. During the breakout sessions, the participants critiqued each other's pre-written articles, providing constructive feedback to refine their work, which they later shared with the group.

Twenty-five (25) FPRDI researchers and staff attend the iSPEAK Science: Storytelling Through Science News Writing workshop. Photo courtesy: Carl Matthew Replan

The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has developed an eco-friendly material that supports sustainable agriculture -- the paper mulch using waste materials. Designed to reduce reliance on synthetic and polymer materials in farming, this product is expected to help improve soil health, enhance crop yield, and reduce plastic waste.

Recently, the Institute entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with JC Del Mundo Sustainable Farming School in Brgy. Bangin, Agoncillo, Batangas. The school serves as a demonstration farm to help train the barangay’s residents interested in organic farming. Currently, the paper mulch is being field-tested at the school, with preliminary promising results.  

The paper mulch is made from locally sourced, biodegradable materials wherein 20% is from abaca stripping waste and 80% from old corrugated cartons. It easily breaks down naturally into the soil, providing nutrients to crops while suppressing weed growth and pest inhabitation, conserving soil moisture and maintaining a stable temperature of 35oC compared to synthetic mulch where temperature shoots up to 39-40 oC. This contributes to better crop management and lessens the environmental impact associated with traditional plastic mulches.