Technology developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to produce gelatin from the skin of tilapia may be key to breaking into the billion-dollar global cosmetics and pharmaceutical halal market. DOST Region 12 director Haja Shayma Zenaida Laidan said that research and development (R&D) on the production of gelatin from the skin or scales of tilapia has been completed and they are now just looking for a private sector partner to commercialize the technology. “I hope we can find a partner who has the financial capability to put up the processing plant,” Laidan told The STAR on the sidelines of the “BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area) International Halal Congress: An Academe Perspective” held at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City last week.

Ronda, R. A. (2016, March 10). Gelatin sourced from tilapia skin eyed for halal market. The Philippine Star, p. B-8.