
A GROUP of UST students from various programs created a biodegradable, algae-based mulch for farming, earning first place at the University-wide “Hack-A-Thom” hosted by the TOMASInno Center on Jan. 18 at the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Auditorium.
The team, led by junior literature student France Cueta, developed “Algae-Shield,” an eco-friendly farming solution that uses bioplastics made from dried spirulina, driven by the goal of reducing the nation’s annual production of 2.7 million tons of plastic waste.
Spirulina, a nutrient-rich and non-toxic blue-green algae grown worldwide, is recognized for its bioactive pigments and antioxidants. Since it can thrive without arable land, spirulina has emerged as a promising material for sustainable bioplastics.

“Our innovation using spirulina is not only a solution to the problem of plastic waste but also a call to action for more sustainable practices in the Philippines,” Cueta told the Varsitarian.
“We chose an innovation that addresses all three sustainable development goals (SDGs) — health, environment, and food — because we believed that focusing on the environmental SDG would trigger a domino effect of positive outcomes.”
According to European Bioplastics, bioplastics are an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. But they account for just 0.5% of the world’s total plastic production.
The team behind Algae-Shield includes industrial biology senior Albert Reci, entrepreneurship freshman Michael Malimban, and electrical engineering junior Enrico Nacario.
“We believe that agriculture is the backbone of our country and it’s a pivotal economic sector na most of the time, ini-ignore,” Cueta said. “Kailangan natin ng mas sustainable ways of farming. So our innovation is not only an answer to the solution but also a call to action.”
Farmers widely use mulches made from plastic or polyethylene to retain soil moisture, prevent erosion, improve soil quality, and suppress weeds.
However, plastic mulches leave behind harmful microplastics, polluting the soil, posing long-term health risks, and worsening plastic pollution, team members said.

“[We] endeavor to revolutionize agriculture by developing algae-based mulches that protect crops from extreme weather, enhance environmental sustainability, and boost crop yields. Our mission is to empower farmers with eco-friendly solutions while addressing climate change challenges through carbon sequestration and soil enrichment,” the group said in their pitch deck.
Algae-Shield triumphed over 11 other entries.
The second-place project, “I-PRESENT,” is a speech-controlled automated program designed to assist persons with disabilities in delivering presentations. It was developed by IT freshmen Carlos Cabanting and Jared Leonardo, entrepreneurship sophomore Shania Derone, food technology freshman Kurtly Malimban, electrical engineering sophomore Sophia Suarez, entrepreneurship freshman Samuel Tajao, and biochemistry senior Philip Valerio.
Third place went to “Cabbstra,” a sustainable straw made from cabbage. The team included literature junior Hjadoeya Calica, industrial biology junior Jennylyn Agustin, food technology junior Ionah Go, computer science sophomore Anderson Pua, medical technology freshman Ronan Silva, and entrepreneurship freshmen Kate Carmen and Gaelle de los Reyes.
The winning team received a P25,000 prize, while the second and third-place teams were awarded P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.
The SDG-inspired “Hack-A-Thom” was launched last year to “foster interdisciplinary collaboration among students.”
This year’s competition was held in partnership with GRACE Hub, the University’s innovation hub, which complements the TOMASInno Center, UST’s technology business incubator.
The event also featured a two-day boot camp on Nov. 29 and Dec. 5, during which experts shared insights on design thinking and technopreneurship. With Reports from Rev E. Dela Cruz, Frenchshield Shayne G. Delovieres and Jenna Mariel A. Gonzales.