In response to heightened safety concerns following a major fire in Hong Kong, the Philippine Department of Science and Technology’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) is spearheading a national push to transform bamboo into a scientifically validated, fire-safe construction material.
DOST-FPRDI Director and bamboo expert Dr. Rico J. Cabangon acknowledged that, like any organic material, bamboo is naturally combustible. However, he emphasized that science provides a solution. “With proper testing, drying, treatment, and the use of fire-safety technologies, the risk of ignition and flame spread can be significantly reduced,” Dr. Cabangon stated.
The Institute is advancing two key fire-retardant technologies, adapting previous innovations for bamboo use. The first involves a patented treatment using nano-sized montmorillonite clay, an affordable and less toxic alternative to imported chemicals. Originally developed for wood, this nanoclay creates a protective layer to slow ignition and is now being modified for bamboo applications.
A second, more advanced initiative is the development of a bamboo-based cellulose nanofiber aerogel, derived from kauayan-tinik (Bambusa spinosa Roxb.). Designed as a sustainable and less hazardous additive for construction insulation, this material aims to help builders and homeowners create safer structures.
To ensure materials meet safety standards, DOST-FPRDI operates a dedicated Fire Testing Laboratory. The lab currently evaluates the ignitability and combustibility of materials like bamboo by applying a controlled flame to small specimens. The Institute plans to expand these capabilities with more advanced machinery to test larger building components for local contractors.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. reinforced the department’s commitment, noting, “while hazards cannot always be predicted, they can be mitigated through research and appropriate technology.”
DOST-FPRDI aims to intensify its research and expand testing services to support the construction industry and the public. This initiative is part of the broader DOST mandate to provide science-based solutions across its strategic pillars of human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability.#
