Filipino research team break ground on UAE gov’t-funded Chlorella Microfarm in Munti

Muntinlupa National High School (MNHS) research proponents who recently won in the 2019 Zayed Sustainability Prize in United Arab Emirates broke ground on the Chlorella Microfarm, the first of its kind in the country, at MNHS Grounds, NBP Reservation, Brgy. Poblacion, Muntinlupa City last July 18.

The construction of the microfarm is part of the $100,000 research funding from the UAE government awarded to the research team for their “Revitalized Algae Micro-farm Project (REVAMP).”

MNHS research teachers Ma. Regaele Olarte, Jason Albaro, together with MNHS principal Dr. Rante Marmeto led the groundbreaking ceremony together with local officials.

Muntinlupa National High School research proponents and Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the groundbreaking ceremony of the country’s first Chlorella Microfarm located in Muntinlupa City last July 18. The construction of the microfarm is part of the $100,000 research funding from the UAE government awarded to the research team of MNHS for winning in the 2019 Zayed Sustainability Prize for their entry “Revitalized Algae Micro-farm Project (REVAMP).” Mayor Fresnedi congratulated the research team for the milestone in their study and encouraged local schools to continue to innovate and pursue scientific endeavors that will benefit the global community.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi graced the event and congratulated the research team for the milestone in their study and encouraged local schools to continue to innovate and pursue scientific endeavors that will benefit the global community.

The RevAMP: Revitalized Algae Micro-farming research proposal bested more than 2,000 entries in the Global High School category for East Asia & Pacific of the international prize.

The project envisions to construct a scalable local microfarm to produce high-value products from Green Algae (Chlorella vulgaris). It aims to provide highly innovative way of Chlorella cultivation for environmental stewardship, educational and scientific research, and livelihood opportunities.

The microfarm will serve as a Community Hub and an off-campus research and training facility. The community center aims to cater research and product development of the project. It also serves as a training hub for livelihood.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is one of the biggest international competitions that promote renewable energy solutions. Established in 2008, the Zayed Future Energy Prize honors the environmental legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. In April 2018, the Prize adapted its focus with a view to affecting greater impact across multiple sustainability sectors. In order to reflect this evolution, it was renamed the Zayed Sustainability Prize.

Going beyond just energy solutions, the Prize has been aligned more closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE national development agenda.