P7.6 million forest products innovation and training center soon to rise at VSU

Construction of a PHP 7.6 million Forest Products Innovation and Training Center (FPITC) is underway at the Department of Forest Science (DFS) Nursery Compound of VSU to boost local forest products-based industries and communities in the Visayas region.

The establishment of this innovation center at VSU is part of the nationwide project of DOST-FPRDI to boost local forest-based products. The other two centers are at Caraga State University (Mindanao) and Isabela State University (Luzon).

The Department of Science and Technology, through the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), DOST Region VIII, and the Leyte Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO), funded this project to improve sustainable forest product processing and boost the forest economy.

Now in its first phase, the building constructed costs PHP 3.6 million. For its second phase, an additional PHP 4 million will be allocated for the project. 

According to the VSU FPITC Proponent and Coordinator, Dr. Dennis P. Peque, they are currently working on the design of the building and preparing the cost estimates for the second phase, which they hope to have the bidding start in January next year.

The FPITC at VSU aims to develop innovative forest-based products and technologies to help industries compete locally and globally. It focuses on product innovation, resource efficiency, skills training, and serving as a learning hub for students.

On June 26, 2024, VSU signed an agreement with DOST-FPRDI to carry out the project and house the wood processing machines and other advanced machinery for processing wood and non-wood forest products at the university. 

The ceremonial groundbreaking of the center happened on November 22, 2024, and was attended by DOST-FPRDI Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, DOST-FPRDI Project Leader Engr. Edward Paul S. Marasigan, with the DOST RO VIII Regional Director Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña, and DOST-PTSO Leyte Director Roderick Pacañot.

VSU officials namely VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Rotacio S. Gravosos, VP for Research Extension and Innovation Dr. Santiago T. Peña, Jr., VP for Administration and Finance Dr. Elwin Jay V. Yu, VP for Planning, Resource Generation, and Auxiliary Services Dr. Moises Neil V. Seriño, VSU FPITC Proponent and Coordinator Dr. Peque, College of Forestry and Environmental Science Dean Dr. Arturo E. Pasa, DFS Head Dr. Angelica P. Baldos, ITEEM Director Dr. Teofanes Patindol, GSD Head Engr. Phloem Galupo, officials from Christian Ley Construction, VSU faculty and staff, and students also attended the event.

VSU FPIC Proponent and Coordinator Dr. Peque, who is instrumental in building the center, shared that FPITC is not just a physical training facility but a symbol of a collective vision to “foster the growth of the forest products industry, promote environmental stewardship, and empower students and local communities with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the forest-based industry.”

Dr. Peque also shared that within this week, they are expecting the million-worth of equipment for the first phase of the project from FPRDI in Los Baños, Laguna, to arrive at the university. 

“We are grateful to DOST-FPRDI for giving us the grant, and to the DOST Regional Office, DOST Provincial Office, and the VSU Administration for their support in this project, which is expected to make a big impact in the Province of Leyte and the Region,” he added.

This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No: 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land).

• Prev
• Next