An innovation hub that will serve as a research and development workshop for various forest-based products in Eastern Visayas was launched on September 5, 2025, at Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte.
Called the Forest Products Innovation and Training Center (FPITC), it is a facility envisioned to enhance the capabilities of the forest-based industries in product design, processing, and utilization of both wood and non-wood forest products. It also aims to promote the responsible use of forest and non-forest resources in the region.
The establishment of the third FPTIC was made possible through the efforts of the Department of Science and Technology–Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), DOST Regional Office 8, DOST–Leyte, and VSU.
The center is located at the DFS Nursery Grounds, VSU, Baybay City.
The facility houses equipment such as a dust collector, dryer, CNC router, 3D printers, laser engravers, and other machines, all geared toward advancing research, training, and technology transfer to support communities and industries in creating sustainable livelihoods while ensuring the responsible use of forest and non-forest resources in the region.
“This Innovation Center is more than just a facility—it is a platform to strengthen the forestry profession while also engaging students from other science and technology fields. By doing so, it encourages young people to pursue forestry and related courses,” said DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon.
He emphasized that the Innovation Center aims to generate research outputs, technologies, and innovative products that will benefit MSMEs. Its focus includes upgrading forest-based products through new designs, promoting green technologies, improving SUC facilities, and strengthening human resource capabilities in product design, processing, and utilization of wood and non-wood resources.
“Beyond research and innovation, the facilities will also be made accessible to MSMEs. For example, enterprises may rent the kiln dryer for wood or bamboo. Of course, there will be costs associated with using the facilities; these will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Innovation Center beyond Department of Budget and Management (DBM) funding,” added Dir. Cabangon.
He also noted that VSU has long been recognized as a stronghold of forestry and natural resources education, making it a fitting home for a facility that highlights both timber and non-timber forest products in Leyte and the entire Eastern Visayas region.
DOST-8 Regional Director John Glenn D. Ocaña supported this, emphasizing that the facility is more than just a building—it is a hub where research, entrepreneurship, and local resources converge to create solutions with global potential.
He added that it reinforces VSU’s role as a center for innovation, giving students, researchers, and entrepreneurs a platform to explore, experiment, and excel.
“The challenge now is to manage and operate this center efficiently, ensuring that it remains sustainable, responsive, and relevant in the years to come. Together, we will shape the future of forest-based industries in the region. Make sure every program, every training, and every project contributes to livelihoods, environmental stewardship, and long-term growth,” said Reg. Dir. Ocaña.
Dir. Cabangon further stressed that the Innovation Center is not only for industries but also for the academe and students.
“May it serve as a training ground where they can explore new technologies and techniques in wood and non-wood processing. With facilities such as the kiln dryer, which is critical to preventing pests and damage in wood, we can be assured that high-quality products and technologies will emerge from this Innovation Center,” he said.
The FPITC among the many initiatives of 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 mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII)
