FOR ITS production of ethanol-based rubbing alcohol, the School of Technology of the University of the Philippines-Visayas received the Gawad Pangulo Award for Excellence in Public Service given by the UP system.

The college was recognized for its exemplary and innovative work that contributed “to the fulfillment of UP’s mandate to lead as a public service university and to the nation’s response to the challenge of the Covid19 pandemic.”

“When Covid19 hit the country in 2020, there was a shortage of available hand-rub alcohol in Western Visayas,” UPV said in a statement.

“In response to this, in April 2020, the chemical engineering faculty and staff of the School of Technology worked together to develop a low-cost ethanol production plant to produce ethanol-based hand rub for distribution to the immediate communities, including the UPV community, Miagao, and other LGU’s, and the Iloilo Province,” it added.

UPV said the expertise of its chemical engineering faculty was utilized in producing alcohol by fermentation of molasses which were waste materials from sugarcanes.

The project’s leader was Engr. Ramer Bautista. His team was composed of other engineers.

The team was assisted by the UPV administration, UPV Covid Task Force Donation Group, students and alumni, and private companies and individuals.