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GAD Corner |
DOST and Maynilad to power year-round livelihood for Muntinlupa Weavers
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The rainy season no longer signals a halt in income for around 100 Muntinlupa weavers as they look forward to a more stable, year-round production— all thanks to the Eco-Dryer developed by the Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST - FPRDI). The Eco-Dryer is an innovation that delivers reliable drying and ensures harvested water hyacinths are ready for weaving into high-end handcrafted goods, regardless of weather. Last February 4, 2026, Maynilad Water Services Inc. in partnership with DOST-NCR, formally turned over the water hyacinth drying facility to the City Government of Muntinlupa.
For years, the talented weavers under the Gender and Development (GAD) Office of the Muntinlupa City LGU endured unpredictable weather, leaving their raw materials vulnerable to mold and rot. This led to wasted harvests and stalled production during the rainy season, causing a significant gap in their income. While the water hyacinth is one of the world’s fastest-growing freshwater plants, its potential as a sustainable material has long been hampered by these drying challenges.
With the new facility, the community can now consistently produce a wide array of sustainable products, including assorted bags, bayongs, trays, placemats, slippers, and coasters.
"Our mission is to ensure that science serves as a bridge to prosperity, making the concept of Agham na Ramdam a daily reality for Filipino families," stated DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. "By using this drying system, Muntinlupa weavers can overcome the barriers of nature so they can focus on their craft and compete in the global market with confidence and pride."
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, noting how it transforms an environmental challenge into an asset. "This project proves that when science, environmental responsibility, and innovation come together, we create real and lasting impact. What was once seen as a problem is now an opportunity," Mayor Biazon said. "Through this partnership, we are not only addressing an environmental challenge, we are strengthening livelihoods and giving our weavers the stability they deserve. This is the kind of convergence we want to continue: solutions that are practical, sustainable, and centered on uplifting every Muntinlupeño."
DOST-FPRDI features successful technology adopters in online video series
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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.
DOST-FPRDI researchers strengthen publication-ready writing skills
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The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s (DOST-FPRDI) researchers strengthened their technical writing skills in a four-day workshop held last January 12-15, 2026.
The iSPEAK Science: Technical Writing for Publications provided the participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of the technical writing and publishing process. The sessions focused not only on grammar and language, but also on enhancing the clarity, structure, and scientific argumentation of manuscripts. This allowed the participants to refine their technical papers.
In his welcome message, DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon noted that publishing in internationally reviewed journals reflects rigorous, high-quality research that has undergone a strict review process.
“Such publications enhance credibility, increase the impact of work, and are also crucial for career advancement. Through this 4-day workshop, we aim to strengthen our ability to craft papers intended for submission to ISI-indexed journals,” noted Cabangon.
During the workshop, DOST-FPRDI researchers delved into the fundamentals of scientific writing, laying the foundation for a sound paper, and techniques for effective data visualization.
