DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. (left) is briefed by DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Cabangon (in white) about the features of the locally developed Silyang Pinoy. (Photo courtesy: DOST-STII)

A new eco-friendly furniture design is set to replace traditional armchairs throughout the Philippines. These innovative pieces can seamlessly transform into beds, providing a practical solution for natural disasters when public schools are converted into evacuation centers.

Created and launched by the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), the "Silyang Pinoy" (Filipino chair) is a multi-functional piece of furniture (a combination of a chair and table) crafted from engineered bamboo.

“The Silyang Pinoy is an important innovation and is in line with DOST’s commitment to develop and support technologies in disaster preparedness, rehabilitation and recovery. Not only does it showcase modern and aesthetic design; it also highlights the versatility and potential of sustainable forest products such as bamboo,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.

Prototypes underwent strength and durability testing at the institute’s furniture testing center, adhering to the PNS ISO 7173:2006 standard. Subsequently, these were distributed and tested for acceptance in schools located in disaster-prone areas, including Mandaragat Elementary and Secondary Schools in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Sto. Ñino Integrated School in Catarman, Camiguin; and Consuelo Elementary and Secondary Schools in Sta. Marcela, Apayao.

Still protected with plastic, prototypes of the Silyang Pinoy were delivered to the DOST Day Care Center in Bicutan, Taguig City by Project Leader Engr. Edward S. Marasigan and team. (Photo courtesy: DOST-STII)

Funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), one of the sectoral councils under the DOST, the Silyang Pinoy project aimed to enhance bamboo usage, as mandated by Executive Order No. 879, series of 2010.

The directive said that at least 25 percent of school furniture in public elementary and secondary schools in the country will be made from bamboo.

“This is an important milestone in the Institute’s effort to showcase and strengthen the promotion of Silyang Pinoy among schools in the country,” explained DOST-FPRDI OIC Director Rico J. Cabangon. 

“We hope that by showing the versatility of bamboo as a raw material for school furniture, we can help the local bamboo industry by enhancing the demand for bamboo poles,” he added. (JEG/PIA-NCR)