DOST-FPRDI TO RECOGNIZE ITS SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS DURING ITS 67TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Philippine | 02/07/2024

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.

Dubbed as LAWIG GUBAT, this year’s anniversary celebration underscores the Institute’s commitment to further provide S&T solutions that protect the environment and ensure the people’s economic sustainability. LAWIG GUBAT stands for Lasting, Adaptive, Wealthy, Innovative, and Green.

“DOST-FPRDI aspires for lasting solutions that will preserve our forest resources. Through adaptive strategies, we hurdle the challenges of changing environments. We aim for a wealthy nation, not only in economic resources, but also in biodiversity. Using innovative approaches to forest products utilization, DOST-FPRDI strives to advance the green economy,” explained DOST FPRDI OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon.

Aside from the Narra Awards, the following activities are lined up for the Anniversary celebration:

1. Lawig Disenyo: Multi-functional Furniture Design Contest is a competition that will showcase innovative multi-functional furniture using sustainable wood or non-wood forest materials. It is open to furniture designers/makers from CALABARZON, NCR, and Region 3.

Design entries will be accepted until June 30 thru this link: http://bit.ly/3USUNf4

2. Salin Lawig Technology Transfer Fair will highlight DOST-FPRDI's R&D initiatives and innovations, technology demonstrations, and a trade fair featuring some of the Institute’s Luzon-based adopters as exhibitors-sellers. It will be held on July 05 at the Limapark Hotel in Batangas. The event is open to the public.

Tesoro Research Chair will feature the paper presentation of Engr. Elvina O. Bondad on "Philippine Forest Vines: Physico-Mechanical Properties and End-Uses". Bondad is the 2023-2024 Research Chair Holder.

3. The event will be livestreamed via the DOST-FPRDI Facebook page on 10 July at 8 AM.

4. 18th F. Tamolang Technical Poster Contest and Exhibit will run from July 2 to 5 and will showcase select DOST-FPRDI R&D and technology transfer projects with significant findings or impact in terms of contribution to socio-economic development, environmental protection, and sustainable use of forest-based products.

“The Institute’s initiatives towards sustainability are wide and varied. From studying industrial tree plantation species and non-wood forest products as substitute to premium tree species, to making use of agro-forest wastes that would have otherwise been discarded, DOST-FPRDI has consistently been at the forefront of advancing innovations for sustainable forest products utilization. DOST-FPRDI will continue to contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. Today and in the years to come, it will develop more earth-friendly technologies and ensure that these will be efficiently transferred to the public. We are committed to making the local forest-based industries more competitive while ensuring the sustainability of the environment, society, and the economy,” said Cabangon.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. applauds the recipient of the Narra Awards for their impactful contribution in the attainment not only of DOST-FPRDI’s but of the Department’s strategic objectives particularly the institutionalization of sustainability. Sec. Solidum assures the DOST-FPRDI and its various stakeholders and partners of the Department’s support to initiatives that will make the local forest-based industries more competitive while ensuring sustainable environment. In his version of LAWIG, “Likas-yamang luntian Ating Walang-tigil na Isusulong at Gagawin para sa komunidad na katuwang natin sa kaunlaran at para sa kapakinabangan ng susunod pang henerasyon” said DOST Secretary Solidum. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin-de Leon, 2024)