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 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 study reported successful conversion of the extracted lipids into biodiesel, confirming that these yeasts can be viable sources of biofuel. 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.

Source: Philippine Star February 06, 2026 16:03 UTC