Researchers from the Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) were recognized for their outstanding research achievements during the DOST Intellectual Property Awards (IPA) Ceremony held on March 26, 2026 at the Quest Plus Conference Center Manila.

The recognition was conferred by the DOST through the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST PHL), honoring DOST researchers whose work has made significant contributions to scientific knowledge, innovation, and intellectual property development.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. said that the IPA is a celebration of creativity, perseverance, and the scientific rigor of Filipino researchers.

“By securing patents and publishing in internationally recognized journals, we strengthen our commitment to research that contributes meaningfully to global knowledge and drives national progress,” Secretary Solidum emphasized.

Meanwhile, DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon commended DOST-FPRDI’s continuing commitment to progress-driven innovation.

“These recognitions reflect the dedication of our researchers to pursue high-quality science that results in technologies that benefit local industries and communities. We will continue to develop sustainable forest-based solutions that add value to our natural resources,” explained Cabangon.

DOST-FPRDI received awards under the Granted Patent/Utility Model Registration (GPUM) and International Publication (IPub) categories.

The GPUM Award is given to DOST technology developers whose technologies have been granted patent/utility model/ industrial design registration, while the IPub Award is conferred to researchers who were able to publish their research outputs in the Web of Science/Clarivate Analytics or Scopus-indexed journals.

The following are the recognized works of DOST-FPRDI:

 Granted Patent/Utility Model Registration Award (GPUM):

• Equipment System and Process for Treating Wastewater from Wet-Type Finishing Spray Booths Technologists: Edward Paul S. Marasigan, Aralyn L. Quintos-Cortiguerra, Benjo S. Salvatierra, Jason P. Esguerra, Jeremiah Vi R. Dumalaon

International Publication Award (IPub): 

1. Jimenez, C.R.S., Lapuz, A.R.P., Bondad, A.A.D.M., Marqueses, C.R., & Zamora, M.C.B. (2025). Bioenergy potential of Kauayan tinik (Bambusa spinosa Roxb.) and Kauayan kiling (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl): Culm height section analysis. Advances in Bamboo Science
2. Ilagan, M., Balagot, K.W.M., Micor, J.R.L., Mojica, E.R.E. (2024). Essential Oil of Eucalyptus as Modifier of Carbon Paste Electrode for Voltammetric Determination of Lead Ions. Philippine Journal of Science
3. Quintos-Cortiguerra, A.L., & Dorado, A.B. (2025). Evaluation of the food safety of wood finishes. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research
4. Jimenez Jr., J.P., & Ramos, J.E.C. (2025). Glue-bond performance of oil-heat-treated bamboo using cold-setting and thermosetting adhesives for engineered bamboo applications. Advances in Bamboo Science
5. Rana, C.J.F., Quintos-Cortiguerra, A.L., Dorado, A.B., & Jimenez Jr., J.P. (2025). Influence of lacquer sanding sealer treatment on the properties of bamboo waste particleboards for sustainable handicrafts. Advances in Bamboo Science
6. Delica-Balagot, K.M., Halasan, H.G.M., Martinez, C.M.J., Balagot, K.W.M., Kamantigue, E.C., Samiano, F.B., & Lapuz, R.B. (2024). Influence of roasting process on the chemical profile of Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. tea. Philippine Journal of Science
7. Jimenez Jr., J.P., & Rizare, M.D. (2024). Physico-mechanical properties and decay fungi resistance of Dendrocalamus asper and Bambusa spinosa thermally modified in spent engine oil medium. Advances in Bamboo Science
8. Marasigan, O.S., & Mundin, M.A.M. (2024). Physico-mechanical properties and potential utilization of Melia azedarach L. grown in Quezon Province, the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science
9. Jufer, H.N., Balagot, K.W.M., Dumalsen, A.S., Tonn, H.N., & Mojica, E.R.E. (2025). Understanding Tetracycline-Nanoceramic Interactions: A Study Using UV-Vis, Fluorescence Spectroscopy and HPLC. Trends in Sciences (By Apple Jean C. Martin-de Leon, DOST-FPRDI)

DOST-FPRDI researchers pose with Institute Director Rico J. Cabangon (3^rd from right) during the IPA Awarding Ceremony last 26 March 2026. (Photo from DOST-FPRDI)