THE Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-Zamboanga Research Center (ZRC) has responded to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for a unified effort of the government and the Filipino people against the dreaded coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Ramon L. Rivera, PCA-ZRC center manager, said the PCA has developed about 300 liters of Coco Ethyl Alcohol (70%), two liters hand sanitizer and two liters of virgin coconut oil (VCO).
“These are part of our coconut by-products research activities. The VCO and hand sanitizer are already being produced by the research center for quite a while now. Our Plant Genetics Resources Coconut Utilization Division (PGRCUD) through the Biomass and Biofuels Laboratory is responsible for developing these products,” added Rivera.
Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization guidelines, PCA-ZRC has donated to the Zamboanga City Government through Mayor Beng Climaco 100 bottles of VCO (150ml), 38 bottles of coco ethyl hand sanitizer (50ml) and 20 liters Coco Ethyl Alcohol (70%) including 110 bottles of coco ethyl alcohol (250ml each).
The Philippine Navy-Naval Forces Western Mindanao received 20 liters of coconut ethyl alcohol (70%) for their frontliners assigned in the delivery of medical and social supplies and for those manning checkpoints.
The Zamboanga City Medical Center-Blood Bank and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Zamboanga Peninsula received five liters each of coco ethyl (70%) alcohol for their use.
Two hundred forty liters of coco ethyl alcohol also distributed among the PCA-Zamboanga Research Center employees for household use.
Interested stakeholders may contact Rivera, Department Manager III of PCA-Zamboanga Research Center, San Ramon, Talisayan Zamboanga City at (062) 982-0302 for any inquiries regarding the use of virgin coconut oil and coconut ethyl alcohol. (PR)