The Department of Agriculture (DA) is turning to biotechnology to strengthen one of the Philippines’ biggest agricultural exports, unveiling the country’s first seaweed bioreactor to produce disease-free planting materials year-round and raise productivity across the industry as part of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. sustainable program for agriculture.
Installed at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) National Seaweed Technology Development Center in Sorsogon, the facility replaces decades-old laboratory methods that relied on improvised bottles, manual aeration and less precise propagation techniques.
The automated 1250L bioreactor, which costs P10 million and additional modular seaweed bioreactors valued at P12 million, enable scientists to regulate the conditions needed for optimal seaweed growth, including light, nutrients and temperature, allowing BFAR to produce healthier, high-quality seaweed propagules faster and in greater volumes.
The planting materials will be distributed free to seaweed farmers nationwide, helping improve harvests while reducing losses caused by poor-quality or disease-prone seedlings.
The Philippines is among the world’s largest producers of carrageenan-bearing seaweeds, supplying raw materials used globally in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and a wide range of industrial products.
Officials believe better planting materials will help restore growth in an industry that supports thousands of coastal families and generates significant export earnings.
“This is something we have waited for for decades.”
“This is something we have waited for for decades,” said BFAR Chief Aquaculturist Ida Capacio. “Before, we relied on improvised systems. Now we can produce quality propagules much faster because of the SBRs. The dreams we have for the Philippine seaweed industry are finally becoming reality.”
Capacio, who spent nearly 20 years at the National Seaweed Technology Development Center, said the project reflects a long-overdue investment in an industry that has struggled with limited funding despite its economic importance.
The first batches of propagules will be sent to major producing areas including Zamboanga, Palawan and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where demand for quality planting materials remains high. Cebu, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Masbate are next in line.
BFAR will train farmers before distributing the propagules to maximize survival rates and yields.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the facility marks a turning point for an industry where the Philippines ranks as the world’s fourth-largest producer.
“We can now produce seaweed propagules on demand instead of waiting for seasonal growth.”
“This is the first facility of its kind in the Philippines. We can now produce seaweed propagules on demand instead of waiting for seasonal growth,” Tiu Laurel said. “Our goal is simple. We want to provide clean, disease-free planting materials from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and help regain the Philippines position as the world’s leading Kappaphycus seaweed producer.”
The DA is also studying additional bioreactor facilities in Palawan and Mindanao to expand production capacity while accelerating research on new seaweed varieties for food, pharmaceuticals, industrial applications and even organic fertilizer.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader agricultural modernization agenda aimed at boosting exports, improving farmer incomes and strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the Philippine seaweed industry.
