By Kathleen Princess R. Aldama & Maria Greatchin S. Brucal, DOST-FPRDI

In line with its vision to strengthen industry-academe partnership, the DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has formalized an internship collaboration with the University of the Philippines Diliman - Department of Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering (UPD DMMME) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Held last 16 May 2025 at the Engineering Theater of Melchor Hall, UP Diliman, the MOA signing highlighted the shared commitment of both parties to provide engineering students with meaningful and industry-relevant internship experience. The program aims to equip students with practical skills, familiarize them with industry standards, and strengthen their professional competencies.

“This initiative supports the Department’s goal of strengthening the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem by developing a highly skilled workforce,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. “Through programs like this, we are investing in our youth, empowering them to apply scientific knowledge and contribute to national development.”

The agreement was signed by DOST-FPRDI Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon and Supervising Science Research Specialist and Internship Supervisor Dr. Anniver Ryan P. Lapuz, together with UP Diliman Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II and College of Engineering (COE) Dean Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling. UP COE Associate Dean Dr. Leslie L. Diaz also gave a presentation on the college’s internship initiatives.

“At DOST-FPRDI, we are committed to nurturing talent that can contribute to the sustainable use of our forest resources through science and innovation,” said Institute Director Cabangon. “By immersing students in actual research and development work, we deepen their appreciation for the role of forest-based industries in national development. We hope to inspire the next generation of engineers to innovate with sustainability in mind.”

Representatives from potential host institutions attended the event and expressed their support for the collaboration, noting its role in building students’ competencies and promoting industry readiness.

The internship program will serve as a platform for knowledge, hands-on training, and professional growth, all while reinforcing the role of science and technology in nation-building.

The industry-academe partnership between DOST-FPRDI and UP Diliman is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.prdi.dost.gov.ph.

From left to right: Supervising Science Research Specialist and Internship Supervisor Dr. Anniver Ryan P. Lapuz, DOST-FPRDI Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, UP Diliman Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, and College of Engineering Dean Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling signed the memoranda of internship agreements between DOST-FPRDI and UP Diliman.