DOST-PCIEERD Monitors Progress of GlycEcol Project at UM Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory
The pursuit of sustainable solutions to plastic waste took center stage as representatives from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and DOST Region XI conducted a monitoring visit to the University of Mindanao Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory (UMBEL), reaffirming the government's commitment to advancing innovative research with environmental impact.
Held on June 9, 2026, the visit brought together Dr. Ruby Raterta and Dr. Marc Francis Labata of DOST-PCIEERD, along with Engr. Ian Kenneth Monterde of DOST Region XI, to assess the implementation of the GlycEcol Project, formally titled Upcycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) for the Production of Glycolic Acid through Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia coli K-12 Strain. The one-year research initiative is funded under the DOST-PCIEERD Balik Scientist Program Research and Development Grant and aims to transform PET plastic waste into glycolic acid, a high-value industrial compound, through metabolic engineering.
During the monitoring activity, the team toured UMBEL's research facilities and reviewed the project's accomplishments, ongoing activities, and key milestones. Discussions highlighted the project's progress in engineering an E. coli K-12 strain capable of converting PET-derived compounds into glycolic acid, demonstrating promising strides toward developing sustainable biotechnology solutions for plastic waste valorization.
The monitoring team was joined by the GlycEcol Project members, including Project Leader Mr. Mark Angelou Siega, Project Technical Staff Ms. Haniah Ampuan, UM Balik Scientist Dr. Angelo Bañares, and CIP Fellow Ms. Shaina Lou Palar. Following the laboratory inspection, the delegates also visited the Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions (CGNIES), a research facility established through the DOST-PCIEERD Institution Development Program (IDP), further showcasing the University's growing research infrastructure and commitment to environmental innovation.
Beyond evaluating project implementation, the visit served as a platform for constructive discussions on the project's future directions and strategies to ensure that its outcomes remain aligned with the objectives of the DOST-PCIEERD Balik Scientist Program. The successful monitoring activity underscores the strong collaboration between DOST and the University of Mindanao in driving research that addresses pressing environmental challenges while fostering scientific innovation for national development.
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