The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has successfully developed ethyl alcohol with Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) to help meet Filipinos’ increased demand for safe and effective disinfectant amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
PUP, through the Research Institute for Science and Technology (RIST) formerly known as Institute for Science and Technology Research (ISTR), earlier announced that the locally developed alcohol contains virgin coconut oil whose antiviral properties have been tested.
The initiative is part of the university’s ongoing response to COVID-19.
In a Facebook post, the PUP reported that more than 2,600 liters of the VCO-infused ethyl alcohol have been distributed to the members of its school community and 24 adopted barangays on April 8, 2021.
PUP-RIST began the initial production of the ethyl alcohol with VCO in March through funding from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) worth 4.9 million pesos.
According to RIST Director Dr. Armin S. Coronado, the university expects to produce 12,000 liters of locally produced alcohol by May 2021.
Dr. Coronado adds that the project will also benefit hospitals and police stations in the coming weeks.
Universities that have taken the initiative to develop innovative solutions to meet the increased demand for disinfectants during the Covid 19 outbreak include the University of the Philippines Visayas School of Technology (UPV-SoTech) which developed a sugar byproduct into alcohol for donation to frontliners and Marinduque State College (MSC) which is producing 95% alcohol from coconut and mangrove sap.
The University of the Philippines (UP) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) are currently setting up isolation wards for Quezon City Covid-19 patients to help unburden hospitals amidst the surge of cases in Metro Manila.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) which has successfully developed ethyl alcohol with Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) to help meet the increased demand for safe and effective disinfectant amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Good News Pilipinas is celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2021 by giving away prizes! Subscribe to our Good News Pilipinas! TV YouTube channel and enter the raffle by sending us an email to editor@goodnewspilipinas.com
