Powers and Functions of the Board
- The Forest Products Research Board holds powers and responsibilities specified under Section 13 of the Plan.
- Functions include oversight and governance of the Institute's activities.
Institute’s Key Functions
- Conduct studies on strength properties and characteristics of wood species to determine raw material usefulness.
- Develop new or improve existing wood-based industries to contribute to national industrialization.
- Enhance wood product durability and user suitability.
- Differentiate wood species and analyze structural characteristics.
- Study methods for producing plywood, glued products, pulp, paper, and wallboard.
- Implement natural and artificial seasoning techniques for wood.
- Research minor forest products like rattan and resin to develop related industries.
- Investigate wood durability, preservative treatments, and control of wood-damaging pests.
- Undertake other research aligning with forest industry integration objectives.
Duties of the Director and Assistant Director
- Execute powers and duties as specified in Section 14 of the Plan.
- Assistant Director supports policy, financial and research program development, attends meetings, and undertakes delegated responsibilities.
Administrative Services Division Functions
- Manage housekeeping and auxiliary services including personnel administration, budget, audits, procurement, records, and liaison.
- Provide secretarial and clerical support to the Board, including meeting minutes.
Sections within Administrative Services Division
- Personnel Section: Manage staffing programs, appointments, records, and safety campaigns.
- Budget and Finance Section: Prepare and control budgets, manage payroll, maintain financial records.
- Engineer and Shops Section: Oversee plant construction, shop operations, machinery, and motor pool.
- General Services Section: Handle property and supplies, purchases, maintenance, and office services.
- Publications and Information Section: Prepare informational materials, manage public relations, and maintain technical library.
- Manila Liaison Unit: Provide government and industry liaison, local procurement, and public information.
Industrial Investigations Division
- Conduct mechanical property investigations of wood and evaluate suitability for various woodworking operations.
- Assist manufacturers in wood selection and optimize use of neglected species.
- Consists of Mechanical Properties and Quality Evaluation Sections.
Wood Technology Division
- Research microscopic wood structure, veneer and plywood production, gluing techniques, and minor forest products.
- Maintains wood structure museum and herbarium.
- Includes sections for Wood Structure, Veneer/Plywood, and Minor Forest Products.
Chemical Investigations Division
- Study pulping, wallboard, paper properties, and chemical analyses of various wood species.
- Develop profitability in waste wood chemical by-products.
- Divisions include Pulping and Wallboard, and Chemical Composition Sections.
Wood Preservation Division
- Research seasoning, physical wood properties, preservative treatments, pest control, decay resistance, and fire resistance.
- Comprised of sections focusing on physical properties, wood preservative treatment, pathology (fungi), and entomology (insects).
Reallocation of Appropriations
- Annual budget of P412,220 reallocated from various government sources for operations from July 1, 1956 to June 30, 1957.
- Funds cover administration, research, per diems for Board members, and emergency labor.
- General provisions modified to include Institute’s Director in allowances and motor vehicle use.
Staffing and Personnel Policies
- Detailed staffing pattern provided for various divisions and positions with corresponding salary ranges.
- Appointments are subject to civil service laws and priority employment is given to current qualified personnel.
Delegation of Authority
- Delegations must be written, specify officers involved, define responsibilities, and vest sufficient authority.
- Delegations shall conform to limits set by the Implementing Details.
Partial Invalidity Clause
- Invalid provisions do not affect the validity of remaining provisions.
Administrative Transition
- The University of the Philippines President shall oversee orderly scheduling of administrative changes within 60 days from the effective date.
- Existing entities continue functioning until the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources issues directions.
This comprehensive compilation ensures that the Institute operates under a structured governance framework with clear mandates on research, administration, personnel, and funding, crucial to advancing forest product utilization and industry integration in the Philippines.