Emy Ruth Gianan, News, Communication Management Office
Amid growing health concerns with the rise of COVID-19 patients, the University’s Institute for Science and Technology Research (ISTR) developed a local version of ethyl alcohol, following the requirements and standards of Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A pilot batch has already been tested on March 11, 2020. Larger batches are expected to be manufactured as soon as raw materials are available next week, according to Dr. Armin S. Coronado, ISTR Director. He added that as soon as the procured raw materials are available, production will commence at the newly established Engineering and Science Research Center (ESRC). The team, spearheaded by Dr. Coronado and Licensed Chemist and Faculty Researcher Christian Jay B. Cambiador, targets the production of at least 20 gallons of alcohol per month.
When asked about the efficacy of ethyl alcohol, Dr. Ma. Liza Yanes of the Medical Services Department explained that it functions similarly to isopropyl alcohol. However, she notes that ethyl is safer for the skin compared to isopropyl. Dr. Yanes added that they also suggested the development of local alcohol-based sanitizers to aid in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Given time and equipment constraints, ISTR prioritized the development of ethyl alcohol.
The manufacturing and distribution of local alcohol is expected to commence before the end of March. ###
Please click/tap the appropriate link to help you in your navigation of our services
Applicant Student Faculty Member or Employee Researcher or Extensionist Alumni Campus Life Institutional Accreditation Back to Homepage