Sorsogon: As one of the leading global producers of carrageenan-bearing seaweeds, the Philippines has made significant strides in its export capacity with the launch of the country's first-ever seaweed bioreactor. This development marks a major milestone for the nation's seaweed industry.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Agriculture (DA) unveiled this state-of-the-art facility at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' (BFAR) National Seaweed Technology Development Center. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. described the initiative as a pivotal moment for the industry, noting that the facility would allow for the production of seaweed propagules on demand, eliminating the need to wait for seasonal growth.
The new 1250L automated bioreactor, which represents a PHP10 million investment, will replace outdated laboratory methods, such as the use of improvised bottles and manual aeration. Additionally, two modular seaweed bioreactors, worth PHP12 million, have been incorporated into the facility to further enhance production capabilities.
The BFAR anticipates that the facility will enable the production of healthier, high-quality seaweed propagules at an accelerated pace and higher volumes. Scientists will have the ability to control conditions such as light, nutrients, and temperature to optimize seaweed growth.
Tiu Laurel emphasized the potential productivity boost these bioreactors could provide, aiming to supply clean, disease-free planting materials across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This initiative is part of the broader goal to reestablish the Philippines as the world's leading producer of Kappaphycus seaweed. Currently, the country ranks as the fourth-largest global source of this commodity, supplying raw materials for food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and various industrial products.
The BFAR plans to distribute planting materials nationwide to support seaweed farmers and increase harvests while reducing post-harvest losses caused by poor-quality seedlings. Initial batches of propagules are set to be sent to key seaweed-producing regions such as Zamboanga, Palawan, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with additional supplies heading to Cebu, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Masbate. To ensure high survival rates and yields, BFAR will also provide training to farmers before distributing the propagules.
BFAR Chief Aquaculturist Ida Capacio expressed her enthusiasm for the new facility, highlighting how it fulfills a long-standing aspiration for the Philippine seaweed industry. The DA is also exploring the procurement of additional bioreactor facilities in Palawan and Mindanao to further expand production. Concurrently, research is being conducted on new seaweed varieties for various applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, industrial uses, and organic fertilizers.
