By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has opened the country’s first glycogen extraction facility in this city, which can convert green mussels into high-value glycogen for diverse applications.
DOST – Eastern Visayas Director John Glenn Ocaña said in a phone interview on Friday that the project, which was inaugurated on Wednesday, is expected to help create new socio-economic development opportunities in the region.
Primarily funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), the P8-million facility is based in a property of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Barangay New Kawayan here.
“The project is expected to create a new socio-economic development opportunities for Eastern Visayas. The DOST regional office will also provide additional funds for the UP Tacloban project, formally titled as Sustainable Strategies for Mussel Glycogen Upscale Production,” Ocaña said.
The establishment of the facility is seen as a solution to the frequent occurrence of red tide phenomenon, which affects the livelihood of fishers in the region. Ocaña said even with the occurrence of a red tide, which prohibits the consumption of green mussels, the mussels’ meat can still be processed into glycogen for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The DOST explained that mussel glycogen, with its unique properties and diverse applications, represents a breakthrough in sustainable production and innovation.
“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,” Ocaña said.
Mussel glycogen production offers tremendous promise for both industry and its intended beneficiaries, as well as the mussel farmers and their communities, he added.
Several bays in the region produce mussels but have been identified as vulnerable to red tide occurrences. Red tide is a term used to describe a phenomenon where the water is discolored by high algal biomass or a high concentration of algae. (PNA)