As they uphold the school motto, the University of the Philippines-Tacloban is set to open the country's first glycogen plant in Tacloban City.
Primarily funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the P8-million facility will rise within a property of the University of the Philippines (UP) Tacloban, at the Sta. Elena village.
“We know that the economy of Eastern Visayas is largely affected by green mussel or tahong production,” UP President Angelo Jimenez said in a press briefing after the plant’s groundbreaking on Thursday.
Cosmetics, Pharma Use
Jimenez said that even with the occurrence of a red tide, which prohibits the consumption of green mussels, their meat can still be processed into glycogen for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Glycogen is a common ingredient in cosmetics.
When applied topically, glycogen has moisturizing and potentially firming properties, explaining its increasing use in cosmetic formulation.
“The project will not only contribute to the economic growth of Eastern Visayas but will also pave the way for advancements in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production,” the DOST said in a statement.
"The plant, which will be the first in the Philippines, will develop methods for producing glycogen on a scale that can be commercialized and used by large industries,” Jimenez added.
Source of Income
Once completed within a year, the facility will ensure a stable source of income for mussel farming communities who are suffering once re tide rolls in.
"Maupay kun matima na ito kay yawat nala diri masasayang tam harvest kay kanugon gad," a tahong vendor from Tanauan told OpinYon 8.
Photo courtesy of UP Tacloban
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