SPRINT Center visits DOST-FPRDI

For. Jefferson Rey M. Roxas, Dr. Loreto A. Nivicio (TID Head), Asst. Prof. Edgardo A. Gonzales (SPRINT Center OIC), Dr. Rico J. Cabangon (DOST-FPRDI Director), Mr. Alfie Carl A. Battung, Ms. Annette L. Marges and Ms. Lady Joanne B. Herrera (from left to right) in a group photo after the courtesy meeting with the DOST-FPRDI Director.

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by AC Battung

In line with the completed project on the development of high-value products from senile sugar palms, the Sugar Palm Research, Information and Trade (SPRINT) Center visited the Department of Science and Technology – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) on April 14, 2024, at Los Baños, Laguna.

The visit included a meeting for the preparation of the project’s second phase, an inspection of the prototype furniture developed by the project, and a tour of the institute's facilities. In attendance were Asst. Prof. Edgardo A. Gonzales, SPRINT Center OIC, together with SPRINT Center personnel - Mr. Alfie Carl A. Battung, Ms. Annette L. Marges, and Ms. Lady Joane B. Herrera. They were assisted by Dr. Loreto A. Novicio, DOST-FPRDI Technology Innovation Division Head, and For. Jefferson Rey M. Roxas, project leader.

Before the meeting, a courtesy call was held with Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, DOST-FPRDI Director. Dr. Cabangon welcomed the SPRINT Center personnel, who were introduced by Dr. Novicio. Asst. Prof. Gonzales provided an overview of the center, outlining its current research and extension activities, as well as plans in collaboration with the institute. In return, Dr. Cabangon assured his support for the potential collaborative activities between the institutions.

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Presentation of the agenda during the meeting proper.

Prof. Gonzales and SPRINT Center personnel inspect a product prototype made from senile sugar palm lumber.

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After the visit, the meeting proper was held. Present at this time were representatives of the offices under the DOST-FPRDI Technology Innovation Division. The results of the project were discussed, as well as the preparation of the proposal for the project's second phase, which includes basic research on the characterization of senile sugar palms. Dr. Novicio and Prof. Gonzales also discussed an agreement to be formalized for the two institutions' collaborations.

After the meeting, SPRINT personnel were toured by Dr. Novicio and For. Roxas. During the tour, furniture prototypes were presented as well as the samples of sugar palm lumber collected from CvSU Indang Campus. They also toured the facilities of the institutes, which include the Furniture Testing Center, Plywood Testing Facility, Flavors and Fragrances Program, and Pulp, Paper, and Paper Board Testing Facility.

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