DOST-8 seeks funding for further studies on coco wine, green mussel commercialization
PALO, Leyte — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is seeking funding to the proposed P3.5 million studies to develop technologies on green mussel and local wine production in Eastern Visayas in the bid to commercialize its output.
DOST regional director Edgardo Esperancilla said that in the past years, state universities and colleges in the region have developed researches but it is still untapped to improve the local economy.
“We have many studies without financial assistance from the national government. Since last year, we’ve been making proposal to funding agencies of the DOST to consider these projects,” Esperancilla told Leyte Samar Daily Express.
Among the proposed studies, only the technology development for green mussel by the Samar State University in Catbalogan, Samar was funded recently.
The DOST regional office is awaiting financial assistance for standardization of tuba (coconut wine) making in Can-avid, Barugo, and Palo towns. The study was proposed by the Eastern Samar State University in Borongan, Eastern Samar and Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban City.
Tuba, a local alcoholic drink made from the sap of a coconut tree, turns sour after two or three days. After eight to 12 weeks of fermentation, tuba becomes pure
“Tuba production standard is needed to enhance taste and ensure sanitation during the process,” he added.
The sweet, freshly-gathered coconut sap was a popular alcoholic beverage in the Philippines in the early 50’s. However, it never reached the level of large-scale, commercial production, according to DOST.
The Northwest Samar State University in Calbayog City sought funding for Nipa Wine making. The time-consuming process involved in making the wine start with selection of Nipa palms that abundantly grow along riverbanks based on the maturity of their bough and fruit. This will determine the quality and grade of the sap that will be collected.
The request for funding was sent to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development, an attached agency of the DOST.
The submission of proposals from State Universities and Colleges is in response to the DOST’s call to put more effort in research in the bid to address the concerns of industries and the community. (Sarwell Q. Meniano)
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