A locally abundant wild grass once used primarily for traditional crafts is now creating new livelihood opportunities in Apayao through science, technology, and innovation.

The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) highlighted its pivotal role as a project co-implementor during the official inauguration of the Runo Processing Facility and showroom at the Agguimangan Agro-Eco Tourism Farm in Swan, Pudtol, Apayao, on 18 May 2026. The event spotlighted the specialized processing technologies and technical interventions provided by the Institute, which are designed to transform a locally abundant wild grass into high-value commercial products and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the province.

To drive the facility’s operations, DOST-FPRDI equipped the new processing hub with an Eco-dryer. This DOST-FPRDI technology significantly shortens the drying time of runo (Miscanthus sinensis Andersson) while ensuring dimensional stability, better preservative retention, and overall production consistency.

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the importance of harnessing local resources to create inclusive and sustainable development.

“Across the country, many communities possess resources with untapped potential. Through science, technology, and strong local partnerships, we can transform these resources into sustainable enterprises that create jobs, strengthen local economies, and improve the lives of our people,” Solidum said.

During the inauguration, DOST Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development Engr. Maria Teresa B. De Guzman highlighted Apayao’s broader significance beyond its natural landscape. She noted that the province is not only known for its forests, rivers, and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, but also for a community that actively works with nature, learns from it, and turns local resources into meaningful livelihood opportunities. Her message underscored that rural communities should be recognized not just as protectors of heritage, but as active creators of economic value.

Meanwhile, DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon underscored the significance of the facility as a model for community-based forest products enterprises.

“This facility represents an opportunity for the people of Apayao because it can generate livelihood, build local capacities, and empower communities to actively participate in sustainable forest-based enterprises,” Cabangon said.

According to Cabangon, the initiative reflects what can be achieved when government, local leaders, and communities work together to develop sustainable, high-value products from underutilized resources. He added that the project reflects the value of collaboration in building community-based enterprises that generate economic opportunities while promoting sustainable development.

Before the inauguration, DOST-FPRDI had conducted a series of technical training sessions for local artisans, covering the Eco-dryer operations, runo preservation, advanced finishing techniques, machine operations, and mixed-media product development to elevate the grass into a market-ready resource.

The newly launched facility is a core component of the project “Revitalizing and Unlocking the Potential Economic Opportunity (RUNO) of Handicrafts in Apayao through Science, Technology and Innovation.” Supported by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development Women-Helping-Women: Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise) program, this initiative empowers enterprises in rural communities by providing equipment and capacity building.  Also present during the event were DOST Apayao Provincial S&T Director Engr. Debbie Glynn V. Manangkil and DOST CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy Bantog.

As DOST’s research and development arm on forest products utilization, DOST-FPRDI continues to develop and transfer technologies that enable communities to create greater value from wood and non-wood forest products. Through sustained partnerships and continuous innovation, the Institute helps transform raw local resources into viable enterprises that generate livelihoods, strengthen local industries, and contribute directly to nationwide countryside development.

The Forest Products Research and Development Institute is one of the attached agencies 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 and Opportunities for All.