REAL, QUEZON – The Department of Science and Technology's Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has promoted the use of a non-wood forest product dryer to assist local manufacturers of tiger grass brooms, also known as 'walis tambo,' in producing higher-quality goods.
According to a new release by the Philippines News Agency, FPRDI's Drying Specialist, the agency is urging other national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to help soft broom makers in acquiring this dryer, enabling them to maintain production even during the rainy season. Open-air drying during wet months often results in moist tiger grass, leading to products susceptible to harmful black molds.
This month, FPRDI transferred a dryer to the Quezon-based Maragondon Dragon Grass SLP Association, acquired through a government funding program. The dryer unit received funding from DOST's Grants-In-Aid (GIA) Program, and its installation was supported by the DOST Provincial Office.
The cooperative, located in Real, Quezon, reached out to FPRDI earlier this year due to challenges in drying their raw materials during rainy periods. "We are happy that through this dryer, we can further improve the quality and increase the quantity of the soft brooms they make every year," said Carmelo.
The new dryer is unique in its well-insulated design, utilizing biomass as an energy source. Designed for easy operation, it is also well-suited for the women's organization that operates it. Traditionally, the drying process required two days of air drying, followed by the manual removal of pollen grains. With the new dryer, pollen grains can be easily removed after drying the stalks at 90 degrees Celsius for two hours.
In 2019, the Maragondon Dragon Grass SLP Association, consisting of 56 members, was recognized with the National Sibol Award for being an outstanding beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The DOST-FPRDI was established in 1954 and is headquartered at the University of the Philippines Los Baños Campus. The institute was founded to provide information and technology focused on the utilization of both timber and non-wood forest products.