Green mussels, or “tahong,” are set for a groundbreaking transformation in Eastern Visayas with the official launching of the Philippines’ first Glycogen Extraction Facility. Located in Brgy. New Kawayan, Tacloban City, this innovative facility, inaugurated on July 2, 2025, actively supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VIII, will convert the said marine commodity into high-value glycogen for diverse applications.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) funded project creates a new socio-economic development for Eastern Visayas. DOST VIII will also provide additional funds for the UPTC project, formally titled “SMuG-UP: Sustainable Strategies for Mussel Glycogen Upscale Production.

Dr. Rolly G. Fuentes, a Professor of Chemistry at UPTC and the project’s lead, explained that this initiative will provide economic relief, even during challenging periods like red tide outbreaks that currently cause significant losses for local farmers.

For years, red tide outbreaks have consistently plagued Region VIII’s vital mussel industry. These harmful algal blooms contaminate filter-feeding shellfish like mussels, making them toxic and unsafe for consumption due to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). The resulting shellfish bans impose immense economic losses on local farmers and severely disrupt the supply chain, especially in major tahong-producing areas like Jiabong, Samar (source: https://imup.cc/PEGyMj). This new facility offers a crucial alternative, allowing for the valorization of mussels even when harvesting for food is restricted.

Dr. Fuentes noted that about 30 kgs of green mussels could produce 20 grams of glycogen, with 1 gram worth ten thousand pesos. He added that their team explores the cosmetic applications for glycogen, which has beneficial skin properties, such as excellent hydration and anti-aging potential. They also investigate its other high-value uses in pharmaceuticals, where its biocompatibility and unique structural properties make it a promising compound. To demonstrate, they provided sample moisturizers made with glycogen for everyone to try during the event.

“We are producing our own glycogen for the first time in the Philippines, and this project will help the mussel industry,” Dr. Adelaide Calpe, Director of IARD, PCARRD, said during a media interview.

Ms. Marilyn O. Radam, DOST VIII Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, also actively discussed the prospective projects with UPTC during the media interview. She specifically mentioned exploring applications for mussel meat that the facility does not utilize. She added that the facility opens opportunities for identifying and developing new projects that will maximize the use of every part of the mussel, creating potential collaboration with the Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center (EVFIC) and other institutions.

This waste valorization aligns with the principles of both a circular economy, as it reduces waste and creates new products, and a blue economy, by sustainably maximizing the economic potential of marine resources in Eastern Visayas. This exposure to new technologies is anticipated to empower local businesses and MSMEs, leading to improved products, expanded market reach, and increased income.

This project showcases one of DOST VIII’s efforts demonstrating how targeted Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) investments can drive sustainable economic development, providing concrete solutions and creating new opportunities for communities across the country.

The activity coincided with the Unveiling of UP Tacloban’s Oblation as they began constructing their new campus in Brgy. Sta. Elena. UP President Dr. Angelo A. Jimenez spearheaded the two significant events, along with UPTC College Dean Prof. Patricia Arinto, esteemed institution officials, and other stakeholders.