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GAD Corner |
DOST to put up Regional FPITC to Boost local forest-based industries in the Philippines
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Local forest-based industries are set to get a boost from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with the soon-to-be-established Forest Products Innovation and Training Centers (FPITCs) in the regions.
The DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) together with the DOST regional and provincial offices are collaborating with state universities and colleges (SUCs) for the establishment of FPITCs, which are envisioned to enhance the capabilities of the forest-based industries in product design, processing and use of wood and non-wood forest products.
“The forest products industry is one of the major players contributing to Philippine economy. We want to take advantage of it by putting up state-of-the-art forest products facilities in the regions. Thru this, novel items, particularly furniture products and fixtures, will be designed and created to compete in the international market,” explained DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon. “The establishment of FPITCs in the regions is seen to propel innovation in the forest-based industries. These Centers are expected to uplift the R&D activities in the regions thereby creating new products and technologies, and to enhance sustainable practices in the use of forest products” he added.
DOST-FPRDI to recognize its sustainability partners during its 67th Anniversary Celebration
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The Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) will recognize its industry partners who are making an impact in the on-going efforts towards forest products sustainability.
To be launched during the Institute’s 67th Anniversary celebration, the Narra Awards has been conceived to honor micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, and other industry players that have improved their products and have contributed to their communities after adopting and using the Institute’s technologies or services. The awarding will happen on July 5 at the Limapark Hotel in Batangas.
Similarly, agencies that have helped DOST-FPRDI to amplify its stories and initiatives on environment, forest products utilization, and innovation will also be recognized. These include media partners and local DOST offices.
DOST explores establishing a satellite plywood testing lab in Mindanao
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By: Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon, DOST-FPRDI
The Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) recently convened major plywood makers in the CARAGA region to discuss the possibility of establishing a satellite plywood testing laboratory (SPTL) in Mindanao.
During the dialogue, attended by representatives from 11 plywood companies in the region, DOST-FPRDI experts underscored the necessity of ensuring plywood quality in compliance with the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Department Administrative Order (DAO) 20-06 Series of 2020, which mandates product certification for both locally manufactured and imported plywood.
Under this policy, plywood makers must secure the Philippine Standard Quality Certification Mark License before their products can be sold or distributed in the market.
“The proposed SPTL in CARAGA will be beneficial to Mindanao-based makers who comprise at least 40% of the country’s plywood producers. We initiated this dialogue because we want to hear their issues, and present to them the advantages of having a plywood testing laboratory in the region. Aside from lessened transportation cost, it will also ensure faster and more reliable test results,” explained DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon.
Local manufacturers raised several issues, including high transportation and testing fees, the credibility of testing centers, and delays in test result releases. They also noted that imported plywood, despite often being of lower quality, is preferred due to its cheaper price.
Local plywood makers, along with staff from the DENR, DTI, CARAGA State University and co-organizer DOST CARAGA, attend the dialogue.
