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DOST to put up Regional FPITC to Boost local forest-based industries in the Philippines Philippine | 02/08/2024

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.

Through this initiative, the SUCs will be equipped with advanced processing machines and staff will be trained on the processing of wood and non-wood forest products, and machine operation and maintenance, among others.

“DOST-FPRDI is fully committed to see the growth of local forest-based industries. We will provide support through appropriate technologies and facilities needed for them to thrive in the domestic and global markets. We believe that with FPITCs around the country, more competitive and innovative products will be created,” Cabangon said.

The regional FPITCs will be established at the Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan, Agusan del Norte for Mindanao; Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay, Leyte for Visayas; and Isabela State University (ISU) in Cabagan, Isabela for Luzon. The Memorandum of Agreements with CSU and VSU were inked on May 14, 2024 and June 26, 2024, respectively. DOST-FPRDI is looking forward to forging partnership with other SUCs for the establishment of FPITCs in the other regions.

A similar Innovation Center was put up at the DOST-FPRDI headquarters in 2021 to provide upgraded services and technologies to its clients. It houses various products derived from the Institute’s R&D Programs on bamboo and other non-wood forest products, creative industry, flavors and fragrances from the forests, human security, and climate change. An exhibit was held in the same Center in 2023 that showcased Institute-developed products made from sustainable materials such as resin lamps, wall and drop lights, and wall clocks, among others.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. lauds the DOST-FPRDI for its continuing initiatives to boost the local forest-based industries in the Philippines. “Regional Forest Products Innovation and Training Centers (FPITCs) in the regions will accelerate innovation and technology transfer in the country and soon will propel innovations from the country that will thrive not only in the local but in the global market as well. Through these centers we will provide solutions and open opportunities for local forest-based industries” said DOST Secretary Solidum. (Apple Jean C. Martin-de Leon, 2024)