With the goal of preserving historic structures around the province using non-destructive methods.
The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) and the Bohol Island State University (BISU) have recently teamed up for a meaningful project.
The two camps will work together for the science-based heritage conservation project in Bohol, with the initiative seeking to protect and preserve historic structures by applying advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and promoting compatible and sustainable conservation materials.
The partnership, as per the DOST, is rooted on the research program “Enhancing Heritage Preservation: Advancing Evidence-Based Conservation Through Advanced NDT and Alternative, Compatible Materials (EPOCH).”
“It contributes to sustaining the values and conservation goals of the Bohol UNESCO Global Geopark, reinforcing science-based stewardship of the province’s natural and cultural heritage,” noted the science department.
In his remark, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. highlighted, “heritage conservation is not just about preserving old structures; it is about keeping our history, identity, and culture alive.“
“Through science-based partnerships like this, we empower local communities to be active stewards of their own heritage,” he added.
In Bohol, these heritage structures are given much importance, as more than, architectural landmarks, these are considered to be living symbols of faith, identity, and shared history.
Many of these structures contain historic wooden elements such as floors, retablos, and structural columns that have endured centuries of natural wear.
For example, heritage homes like the 195-year-old Casa Rocha, decisions about repair, reinforcement, or replacement of materials need to be guided by proper assessment to ensure structural safety while preserving historical authenticity.
The DOST-FPRDI team also conducted site visits to key heritage locations in Bohol, such as Casa Rocha, Baclayon Church, Santa Monica Church, Loay Church, and Loboc Church.
According to DOST-FPRDI Director Rico Cabangon, preserving these structures requires not only care and commitment, but also scientific expertise, especially wood, which can suffer from decay, termite or fungal attack, and structural weakening that are not immediately visible.
“By equipping local institutions with the right tools and expertise, we help ensure that conservation decisions are evidence-based, sustainable, and rooted in respect for cultural legacy,” noted Cabangon.
For his part, BISU President Dr. Anthony Penaso acknowledged the vital role of DOST-FPRDI’s technical expertise and told, “Through this partnership, we further strengthen our conservation initiatives to help secure a sustainable future for Bohol.”
He also stated that this partnership helps reaffirm the state university’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s rich heritage, while “empowering students and communities through innovative research and responsible stewardship.”
DOST-FPRDI and BISU have already formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement, although prior to tbs singing, experts from the institute have already trained the BISU EPOCH program team on wood identification—which is described as a scientific process of establishing the identity of a wood specimen based on its anatomical, physical, and structural properties.