Los ba±os: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced on Tuesday that its attached agency, the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), has opened a fire testing laboratory at its office in Los Ba±os, Laguna. The laboratory is capable of evaluating the fire performance of wood and other construction materials, such as insulation, wall and ceiling components, flooring, composite products, and fire-retardant-treated products.

According to Philippines News Agency, many fire performance tests had to be conducted overseas because the Philippines lacked the necessary testing facilities. With the establishment of the laboratory in Laguna, it would be easier, faster, and more affordable to test the fire safety performance of locally-made construction materials, the FPRDI added.

The FPRDI said the facility will help manufacturers comply with safety standards, support regulatory requirements, and enhance the global competitiveness of locally-made construction products. "By making these services available locally, we are helping manufacturers, builders, researchers, and government agencies make better decisions that ultimately protect Filipino lives," Solidum said in a statement.

Currently, the laboratory houses two specialized testing equipment that follow internationally recognized standards - the Indicative Fire Resistance Test Furnace (ASTM E119) measures how long building components can withstand fire exposure, and the Steiner Tunnel (ASTM E84), which evaluates how quickly flames and smoke spread across building materials. Personnel training, method validation, and quality assurance are currently being done to ensure the testing services meet international standards.

FPRDI said the facility will be opened to stakeholders by July 2027.