Philippines to start developing microalgae

Biofuel research in the Philippines is steadily gaining ground. Focusing on jatropa, sweet sorghum and cassava, local scientists are doubling efforts to discover new ways and technology to produce diesel fuel from renewable and non-food biodiesel feedstock such as microalgae. One of the main leaders in biofuel research in the country is the University of the Philippines’ Los Baños campus (UPLB), which recently received funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Resources Research and Development (PCAMRD).With an initial funding of Php4.5 million (US$93,330) from DOST and PCAMRD, the research project will mass cultivate promising species of freshwater microalgae such as Chlorella vulgaris, Scendesmus obliques and Nitzschia palae. The project is part of a larger research program aimed at characterizing, optimizing and genetically and physiologically modifying microalgae for use in biodiesel production. The program will be facilitated by UPLB in cooperation with the Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Santo Tomas. (June 2, 2009)