The Philippines is expanding its capacity to test construction materials locally through a newly upgraded science laboratory expected to reduce certification costs and delays for domestic manufacturers.

The Department of Science and Technology’s (DoST) Forest Products Research and Development Institute inaugurated its expanded Fire Testing Laboratory, providing builders, manufacturers and researchers access to internationally recognized fire performance evaluation inside the country.

Local manufacturers previously had to send product samples overseas due to limited domestic capacity, incurring additional development expenses and delaying market rollouts.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the local facility will bolster public safety and decision-making across the construction sector.

“Reliable fire test brings us one step closer to safer communities,” Solidum said. “By making these services available locally, we are helping manufacturers, builders, researchers, and government agencies make better decisions that ultimately protect Filipino lives.”

Institute director Rico Cabangon noted that the laboratory will boost the competitiveness of domestic products by lowering dependence on foreign testing facilities.

“The expanded Fire Testing Laboratory strengthens our country’s capability to evaluate the fire performance of wood and other construction materials, while reducing our dependence on foreign testing facilities,” Cabangon said.