Home  »  COVID 19-RELATED RESPONSE   »  
| Written by Padayon UP

Production of alcohol in a UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry laboratory. Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry
Production of alcohol in a UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry laboratory. Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry

 

Like other UP campuses with chemists and chemistry laboratories, UP Diliman (UPD) has been producing alcohol sanitizers—the demand for which has significantly increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These were distributed to the UPD community and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

Dr. AC Yago of UPD’s Institute of Chemistry (IC) said a team from the institute had produced a total of more than 100 liters of isopropyl and ethyl alcohol from three batches from April 6 to 16.

“The preparation of alcohol formulations as hand sanitizers was initially requested by [UPD] Chancellor [Fidel] Nemenzo to IC,” Yago told the UP Media and Public Relations Office. “IC responded positively and provided guidelines on the preparation of alcohol sanitizers, following the Food and Drug Administration guidelines,” he added.

The volunteers included 10 members of the Institute, who included faculty members, instructors, research associates who are licensed chemists, laboratory technicians and a staff member. They were: Dr. Marlon Conato; Dr. Hiyas Junio; Dr. Monissa Paderes; Dr. Grace Gregorio; Dr. AC Yago; Mr. Mark Jeffrey Diaz;
Mr. Vicenzo Torreno; Mr. Francis Alinabon; Mr. Manuel Dela Paz; and Mr. Bryan Rivera.

 

Chemicals being processed in the production of alcohol in a UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry laboratory. Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry
Chemicals being processed in the production of alcohol in a UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry laboratory. Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry

 

As part of the UPD bayanihan activity, the alcohol sanitizers were distributed to UPD constituents, which include the University Health Service, Solid Waste Management, Campus Maintenance Office, the police, and the Special Services Brigade. All UPD dormitories received a 4-liter bottle of the prepared alcohol.

“We have also donated to [the PGH], both as pure reagents and prepared alcohol sanitizers. And yes, our staff and maintenance personnel also received some of the alcohol sanitizers for their use,” Yago said.

After preparing laboratories on April 3, 2020, 69 liters of 75% isopropyl alcohol and 32.5 liters of 80% ethyl alcohol have been produced. “April 23, technically is our last day of preparation, so the amount [mentioned] could change slightly,” Yago said.

 

Alcohols prepared by a UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry team being received at the Campus Maintenance Office, the UP Diliman Police, Acacia Residence Halls, and the University Health Service. Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry

Alcohols prepared by a UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry team being received at the Campus Maintenance Office, the UP Diliman Police, Acacia Residence Halls, and the University Health Service. Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry

Alcohols prepared by a UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry team being received at the Campus Maintenance Office, the UP Diliman Police, Acacia Residence Halls, and the University Health Service. Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry

Alcohols prepared by a UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry team being received at the Campus Maintenance Office, the UP Diliman Police, Acacia Residence Halls, and the University Health Service. Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry
Alcohols prepared by a UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry team being received at the Campus Maintenance Office, the UP Diliman Police, Acacia Residence Halls, and the University Health Service. Photo courtesy of the UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry

(This was originally posted on the UP System website on April 24, 2020)