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Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star
February 7, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — As the country looks for sustainable energy sources, a team of experts from the University of the Philippines found that oleaginous yeast isolated from the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) can be a viable source of biofuel.
The study, released by the UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and published in the Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, highlighted the development in biodiesel production as scientists are increasingly turning to nature for solutions.
Oleaginous yeasts are a unique group of microorganisms known for their ability to accumulate significant amounts of lipids or fats within their cells.
The authors said these lipids can be converted into biodiesel, a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers collected yeast samples from the Mount Makiling area and screened and identified several oleaginous yeast strains capable of producing high lipid content.
The authors said key findings of the study include high lipid accumulation, where some isolated strains demonstrated impressive lipid accumulation rates, making them promising candidates for biodiesel production.
The study reported successful conversion of the extracted lipids into biodiesel, confirming that these yeasts can be viable sources of biofuel.
The research not only underscores the potential of using native microbial resources for renewable energy but also highlights the importance of conserving biodiversity.
The authors said Mount Makiling’s unique ecosystem serves as a treasure trove of biological resources that could play a significant role in sustainable development.
“Using microbial resources as a source of biodiesel, as compared to soybean and palm oil, may not cause vast farming, fertilizer use, land conversion and pesticide use to produce enough amount of biodiesel,” the authors said.
They cited the importance of the study as the world grapples with the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for renewable energy solutions.
The authors added that the study represents a promising step toward a more sustainable future, showcasing the potential of oleaginous yeast from Mount Makiling as a significant contributor to biodiesel production and making it a better alternative to petroleum-based diesel.
“As we continue to explore and harness the power of nature, we move closer to a greener, more sustainable world,” the authors said.
The authors include Irene Pajares of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, UP Los Baños; Princess Requiso of the College of Medicine, UP Manila; Lorenzo Fabro Jr. of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, UPLB; Kristine Rose Ramos of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, UPLB, and Asuncion Raymundo of the Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, UPLB.
