A special issue of The Philippine Scientist, an Institute of Science Index (ISI) journal showcases new records of microalgae. The issue provides reference materials for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs interested in the said organism.
Titled “Philippine Microalgae: Diversity and Conservation Studies,” the special issue is comprised of nine articles from the recently concluded program, Development and Capability Building Program on Algae Research of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Dr. Milagrosa Martinez-Goss of the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS), UPLB led the program.
Microalgae has various commercial and industrial uses. It is used as food for aquatic animals and as biofilters to remove pollutants in wastewaters. It is also used for biofuel production and in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
The publication promotes scientific studies specifically on microalgae in the Philippines, whose biodiversity and tropical climate support microalgae growth.
The articles discuss taxonomy, physiological, ecological, and cultural studies. The scientific results show the diverse species of microalgae in the country, some species of which were noted and identified for the first time.
The program was implemented in collaboration with UPLB and then Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (DOST-PCAMRD) which was consolidated with the present DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).
The Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) under its Algal Research Commercialization Program as well as seven state universities and colleges (SUCs) supported the program.
These SUCs include the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Pangasinan State University (PSU), Aurora State College of Technology (ASCoT), Batangas State University (BatSU), Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC), Visayas State University (VSU), and Mindanao State University (MSU)-Naawan. CHED supported the program by funding the research of Dr. Martinez-Goss.