Selected home-grown designers and representatives of some micro, small, and medium enterprises in Negros Oriental have undergone a series of materials innovation seminar recently in Dumaguete City.
The Department of Science & Technology, in cooperation with Foundation University, concluded this two-day seminar to create a pool of local industrial designers to support Negros Oriental’s craft and furniture industry.
“This seminar also aimed at equipping local designers with some technical knowledge on various types and properties of materials so that their designs become more suitable to specific types of materials,” said DOST provincial director Gilbert Arbon.
Five experts on materials innovation from the different DOST Research and Development Institutes came to share their knowledge and expertise, representing the Philippine Textile Research Institute, the Forest Products Research & Development Institute, the Metals Industry Research & Development Institute, and the Industrial Technology Development Institute.
Engr. Adela Montalvo of PTRI discussed natural and synthetic fibers as materials for craft industries.
Josefina Celorico, an expert from TDI, explained on the use of plastic, ceramics and fiberglass as essential materials for the craft industry, while Engr. Edilbert de la Peña of MIRDC talked about metals and related resources.
For their part, foresters Robert Natividad and Moreno Santander of FPRDI lectured on wood, bamboo, and other forest products.
“FPRDI is mandated to conduct research and development on wood and non-wood forest products. We transfer technologies and provide technical services and trainings especially to MSMEs, since majority of the businesses in the country come from your sector,” Forester Natividad said, addressing the participants.
“We ensure the global competitiveness of environment-friendly forest-based products and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of existing forest-based industries and assist in the establishment of new enterprises,” he added.
MSME sector include manufacturers of furniture, gifts and decors, handicrafts, and fashion accessories have composed the participants of the training. (RMN/JCT/PIA-7 Negros Oriental)
