TO CHEER ourselves up, let us look at snippets of developments here in the Philippines.

First, locally produced essential oils can now be optimally developed to maximize analgesic activity.

Researchers from the Chemicals and Minerals Division of the Industrial Technology Development Institute studied seven oils: lemon grass, citronella, eucalyptus, ginger, guava and cinnamon bark and leaves. The team-composed of R.C. Torres, M.A. Villanueva, F.M. Sison, P.M. Cuasay, C.O. Manalo, E.C. Monroyo, E.A. Lanto, R.R. Estrella, E.L. Arrogante, I.B. Mendoza, R. Banal and C.L. Melo - tested the effects of these oils on rats.

Results showed that ginger oil extract exhibited the highest analgesic activity, followed by lemon grass oil, cinnamon leaf oil, guava and eucalyptus. The team then made greaseless gel and liniment, massage oil and balm with these natural essential oils and plant extracts.

Their products are a cheaper alternatives to imported analgesics. For details, call the Institute at 8372071 to 82, loc. 2226, or fax loc. 2216, or e-mail cmd@dost.gov.ph.

Bio2T
Second, the Clean Air Act might finally become a reality.

In cooperation with the Department of Energy, Philippine coconut Authority, and Technological University of the Philippines, the Institute launched a project to develop plant-based oil derivatives for motorcycles and tricycles. Their target is the Bio-2T, which hopefully can substitute for the ignition motorcycle engines which are major culprits in polluting our air.

Janitor fish
Third, the janitor fish is actually pretty clean. Rumor has it that the fish is harmful to cages in Laguna de Bay and rivers such as Marikina.

According to the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development, the janitor fish is an imported freshwater catfish species native to South America, but came here as an aquarium fish in the last decade.

Why janitor fish? It assiduously cleans the aquarium by eating algae growing on the edges.

According to Rodel Offemaria of the Science and Technology Media Service: "The janitor fish, which grows to 30 cm long, feeds on algae and small crustaceans. Its spines are not poisonous and its flesh is edible. It was previously bred in ponds in Laguna but has escaped into Laguna de Bay and nearby river systems.

"It digs up holes on pond dikes and river embankments for its breeding nests. When feeding on algae growing on the nets of fish cages in Laguna de Bay, the janitor fish's rasping mouth can cause jagged cuts to the net that may result in the breakout of cultured fish.

"Not valued as a food fish, the janitor fish however can be utilized as a fishmeal source and fish leather making because of its unique and hideous-looking skin."

Rope from plant
Last, a sedge plant has worked wonders for the residents of Barangay Parasan in Zamboanga del Sur. The grass-like plant, lampacanay, grows wildly in fish-ponds in Panguil Bay.

The local Rope Makers Association, with 1,000 members, braid lampacanay from two to six mm, and form them into baskets, bags, and furniture trimmings for export to Cebu. Twelve tons are reportedly bought and sold in a month, with a total value of P50,000.

Fiber experts Charito Cauton and Laarni Habal of the Philippine Textile Research Institute recently conducted training to improve the quality and color of the products. Training, sponsored by the Molave town government and the Fiber Development Authority from young coconut, yellow ginger and atsuete.

According to provincial science and technology officer Ebenezer Tulog, "Parasan's rope industry dates back to the 1950s that involved every household in the barangay. The shift to lampacanay came after the town's abaca plantations drastically shrank as a result of a crippling banana bunchy top disease."

Hopefully this plant is hardier.

E-mail the author at blessbook@yahoo.com.