Bamboo-framed face shields from DOST-FPRDI (Image credit: Paul Czesar T. Katimbang, ACD, PCAARRD)
In view of the need for more personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), a sister-agency under the DOST, have developed the bamboo-framed face shield.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), led by its Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, thankfully received the bamboo-framed face shields.
The bamboo-framed face shield was developed by FPRDI Team, composed of Mssrs. Froilan B. Samiano, Audel V. Mosteiro, Noel M. Medrano, Val DV Valderama and Engr. Cesar O. Austria. Engr. Austria enthused that they have added abaca pulp into the nylon cord that holds the two ends of the bamboo frame to give more comfort to the wearer.
Also, as the project leader of a PCAARRD-funded project, “Processing and wood quality evaluation of paper mulberry for furniture, handicrafts, and other by-products,” Engr. Austria added that the FPRDI team is also looking at the wood from paper mulberry, Broussenetia papyrifera (L.) Vent, locally known as ‘lapnis,’ as potential material for face shield frame.
