By Jesslyn Keith Valite 

In a bid to advance bamboo innovation, the Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) visited MMSU on September 4, to collaborate on the project titled “Bamboo ACTIVE Ph: Activated Carbon Through Innovation for the Vulnerable Sectors and Entrepreneurs in the Philippines.” 

The DOST team led by FPRDI Technology Innovation Division Supervising Science Research Specialist, Dr. Jenny Tamayo, and project staff, Ms.  Yumi Anne Moldes paid a courtesy call to MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe Franco at the Ferdinand E. Marcos hall.
The project was funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) under DOST, including distributing bamboo hand soaps. In addition, a technology demonstration and training session organized by the visiting team was participated by chemical engineering students to support the capacity-building initiative.

Dr. Franco reaffirmed the university’s deep commitment to bamboo projects, drawing on its symbolism of resilience and flexibility—qualities shared by Filipinos. “Through MMSU’s bamboo research and innovation, we will transformed this abundant resource into a tool for sustainability and create lasting benefits for our community,” she remarked. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Tamayo extended his gratitude to the openness of the university in accommodating activities involving sustainable projects. 

The activity is expected to see dynamic participation from both MMSU and DOST, further strengthening the partnership and advancing the objectives of the Bamboo ACTIVE Ph project.