DOST-FPRDI

On May 28–29, 2026, DOST-FPRDI brought together researchers, community representatives, industry partners, and key stakeholders for a collaborative strategic planning session aimed at shaping the future direction of the Institute’s programs and initiatives.

To open the event,Director Rico J. Cabangon delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of having a clear and unified strategic direction. He described the activity as a historic milestone for DOST-FPRDI, as it marked the first time the Institute directly engaged industry partners in co-developing a shared roadmap for the sector.

Building on this momentum, Assistant Professor Paul Joseph Ramirez facilitated the two-day workshop and discussions through the “DOST-FPRDI Roadmap Alignment Workshop: A Theory of Change Development Approach.” The sessions guided participants in aligning their plans and strategies with the Institute’s goals while ensuring consistency with DOST’s broader national priorities.
Industry partners representing various wood- and non-wood-based sectors actively contributed their perspectives, experiences, and recommendations, helping identify opportunities, challenges, and priority areas for research, innovation, and technology development.

To ensure that the discussions remained aligned with the overall DOST Strategic Framework, representatives from the DOST sectoral councils—Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, and National Research Council of the Philippines—were also invited to participate and provide valuable insights.
Through these meaningful exchanges, the two-day event successfully fostered a shared vision among stakeholders, identified key priorities, and strengthened partnerships that will help advance impactful forest-based research, innovation, and sustainable development in the years ahead.

Every Filipino knows Juan Luna's Spoliarium. But have you ever looked past the canvas and wondered: What is strong enough to hold a 13-foot-tall, massive national treasure together? 🖼️🔍

DOST-FPRDI’s wood identification experts identified the wood of the historic Spoliarium frame as Yakal (𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘢 Foxw.). 🪵✨

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗹?
As a premier native Philippine hardwood, Yakal has exceptional strength and natural resistance to decay. It wasn't just a random choice—it was one of the best choices to ensure the physical preservation of our country's most celebrated painting.

This National Heritage Month, we celebrate the silent strength of our native trees and the science that keeps our culture alive. Our Wood ID services help ensure that the identity and quality of our priceless museum artifacts and heritage sites are preserved for generations to come. 🏛️🔬

-FPRDI

We join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice. May this blessed occasion bring peace, unity, compassion, and renewed faith to all.

In accordance with Proclamation No. 1264, please be advised that our office will be CLOSED today and normal operations will resume on May 28, 2026.

Eid Mubarak!

-FPRDI

👃✨ Kumustahin natin ang amoy at lasa ng ating pamana.

In celebration of National Heritage Month, DOST-FPRDI partnered with the National Museum of the Philippines for "HALIMUYAK: Scent and Stories of Plants in the Philippines."

The event highlighted the intersection of science and culture through presentations from DOST-FPRDI researchers and local industry experts.

Representing the DOST-FPRDI, Edmark Kamantigue introduced the Flavors and Fragrances from the Forest Technology Program (F3TP) and its focus on sustainable production, while Director Rico J. Cabangon detailed institutional initiatives driving a green economy. Complementing the talks, researcher Forester Florena Samiano mounted a pop-up exhibit showcasing forest-based fragrances, extraction equipment, and native raw materials like Philippine cinnamon.

The event also dove deep into our cultural and culinary roots. Renowned perfumer Oscar C. Mejia III took the audience on a journey through the history of Philippine perfumery, while Lokalpedia founder John Sherwin Felix unlocked the aromatic secrets behind our diverse local cuisine.

👇 Which native Philippine scent or flavor is your absolute favorite? Let us know in the comments!

A Spanish galleon named Santo Cristo de Burgos, vanished off the west coast of what would become the USA (in Oregon State) after avoiding a hurricane in 1693. How do we prove it came from the Philippines? 🌊⚓️

The origin of the famous "Beeswax Shipwreck"—named after the massive blocks of beeswax found in its cargo—once remained a mystery.

But through the meticulous analysis of DOST-FPRDI expert and by cross-referencing samples within our Xylarium collection, the ship's primary timbers were re-examined. The scientific verdict? The vessel was crafted from Molave (𝘝𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘹 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢 A. Juss.) and Supa (𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘢 Merr.)—two native Philippine hardwoods. 🪵🔬

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗼𝗻?

𝗠𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗲: Its incredible density made it a great choice for the load-bearing frames of Manila-Acapulco galleons (as well as our ancient houses and churches).

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗮: Used for ship flooring or decking and known for its extreme impact resistance (the same properties that make it perfect for bowling alleys), it provided the flexibility and strength needed to survive grueling trans-Pacific voyages. 🇵🇭⛵️

These identifications enhance our understanding of timber selection in galleon construction and provide valuable material evidence for maritime heritage research. 🔍⚓🪵

Heritage stans, where you at? 🧐

Regular history is cool, but have you ever seen natural history preserved in wood? 🪵✨

In celebration of National Heritage Month, we are celebrating the DOST-FPRDI Xylarium. Housing rare local and foreign wood samples from 1903 to present, this facility is a vital bridge to our past and future. From aiding scientists in climate data to helping anthropologists and artisans trace traditional Filipino craftsmanship, it’s a tangible link to our nation’s identity. 🇵🇭🌳

Our heritage isn't just in museums, it's also in our trees. 🌲

Level 2 na tayo! Handa ka na bang mas palalimin ang iyong kaalaman sa pagbuo ng mga de-kalidad na produktong kawayan? 🛠️

Tara! Samahan kaming muli at tuklasin ang mas advanced na science behind bamboocraft making sa aming susunod na Training-Webinar. Huwag palampasin ang pagkakataong ito na maging expert sa paggawa ng bamboo crafts!

🗓️ Kailan: May 29, 2026 (Friday) | 10:00 AM
💻 Platform: Google Meet
📝 Mag-register na rito: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyVmotqQ9tkjv0ltOemEmuJDDcHXOCjFVNGojec-dw4tuZ-Q/viewform?usp=send_form

(Maaari ring i-scan ang QR Code sa image!)

⚠️ Mahahalagang paalala:

Limited Slots: Ang unang 150 participants lamang ang tatanggapin.
E-Certificates: Ibibigay lamang sa mga rehistradong kalahok na makakatapos ng webinar.
Registration Period: Bukas ang registration hanggang mapuno ang slots. Kaya ano pang hinihintay mo? Habol na!

Para sa mga katanungan, mag-email lamang sa aming team sa [email protected] o bisitahin ang aming website sa www.fprdi.dost.gov.ph.

See you there! 👋

Congratulations to GMA Public Affairs for winning a Bronze trophy at the 2026 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards!

We are especially proud to have been part of the award-winning documentary, "The Atom Araullo Specials: Gintong Puno (Golden Tree)," which received honors in the Environment & Ecology category. The documentary highlights the high-value potential and conservation of agarwood—locally known as lapnisan—one of the many precious forest resources we aim to utilize wisely at DOST-FPRDI.

It was a privilege for our very own Forester Florena B. Samiano to share technical insights on the Institute’s initiatives and research aimed at protecting and sustainably developing this "liquid gold" in the Philippines. 🪵✨

Our warmest congratulations to Atom Araullo and the entire production team for this well-deserved international accolade! Thank you for bringing science and environmental stories to the global stage.

THE ATOM ARAULLO SPECIALS BAGS ANOTHER BRONZE TROPHY AT THE 2026 NEW YORK FESTIVALS

The Atom Araullo Specials takes home a Bronze trophy at the 2026 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards!