By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The government has begun deploying advanced biotechnology to strengthen the country’s seaweed industry, with the installation of the Philippines’ first seaweed bioreactor expected to provide farmers with a steady supply of disease-free planting materials and improve export competitiveness.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday announced that the new facility is now operational at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) National Seaweed Technology Development Center in Sorsogon, where it will be used to accelerate the production of healthier and more resilient seaweed seedlings.
Officials said the technology is expected to enhance year-round propagation, reduce production losses caused by poor-quality planting materials, and support the long-term growth of one of the country’s major aquaculture export industries.
The bioreactor replaces conventional laboratory techniques that have been used for years to propagate seaweed cultures. Earlier methods relied heavily on improvised culture containers, manual aeration, and labor-intensive procedures that limited production efficiency and consistency.
By providing a more controlled growing environment, the facility is expected to produce uniform, disease-free propagules that can help increase farm yields while reducing the spread of diseases that have periodically affected seaweed farms across the country.
Seaweed remains among the Philippines’ most valuable marine commodities, supplying raw materials for carrageenan used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industrial products. Industry officials believe the adoption of biotechnology will help secure a more reliable supply chain and reinforce the country’s standing as one of the world’s leading seaweed producers.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sectors through science-based innovations aimed at improving productivity, supporting coastal livelihoods, and expanding export opportunities.
ia/xf
