MAKATI CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) recently distributed bamboo-abaca hands-free disinfectant dispensers and foot baths to several establishments and government offices in Los Baños, Laguna. 

A total of 10 prototypes were provided to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD); DOST-CALABARZON; Los Baños Municipal Office; Los Baños Doctors Hospital; Los Baños Municipal Health Office; the vaccination hub in Barangay Batong Malake; Centro Mall, Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus; and the Barangay Hall of Batong Malake.

The bamboo dispenser releases alcohol when someone steps on the connected foot bath while the abaca acts as a sponge that disinfects the pressing footwear. The device was developed by the institute in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The distribution was also geared at prototype testing so as to evaluate the dispenser’s usability and acceptability.

According to Project Leader Florena B. Samiano, “DOST-FPRDI advocates the sustainable use of local forest resources to help protect the public against COVID-19 infection. The use of natural products such as bamboo and abaca is very promising as these are two of the most economically important, widely available resources in the country. They are also eco-friendly because they are biodegradable.”

The distribution was held last 06 July 2021 as part of the DOST-FPRDI’s 64th anniversary celebration. (AJCMartin- de Leon, DOST-FPRDI)