The University of San Carlos formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KILSA Global and Mealworms Clean the Earth (MCE) Inc. to launch the WORM-TECH Project: Waste optimization and recycling using mealworm technology on November 20, 2025, at the School of Engineering Conference Room.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in USC’s expanding sustainability agenda, aligning with its commitment to advance environmentally responsible research, reduce ecological footprints, and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The WORM-TECH project introduces a novel waste-to-resource model that leverages Tenebrio molitor (mealworms) as biological agents for plastic and organic waste degradation. Recent scientific studies have shown that mealworms can break down complex polymers—including polystyrene—through microbial activity in their gut, converting waste materials into biofertilizers and grass with potential agricultural applications.
This biological pathway offers a promising alternative to conventional mechanical recycling and landfill disposal, both of which pose challenges in high-waste urban and institutional settings.
Through this project, USC aims to bridge scientific discovery with practical solutions. The initiative opens opportunities for interdisciplinary research among the Departments of Biology and Chemical Engineering, as well as those engaged in sustainability studies. Projects will include investigating degradation efficiency, optimizing environmental conditions for large-scale mealworm bioprocessing, assessing the environmental impacts of frass output, and exploring its possible commercialization for circular economy models.
Led by Dr. Angelo Cabije, Presidential Assistant under the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office (KTTO), the WORM-TECH Project strengthens USC’s ambition to become a leader in sustainable technological innovation within Region VII. Dr. Cabije was joined by partners Paul Michael Briones and Gabriel Kwon, and collaborators from KILSA Global Singapore including Philip Park and Donghui Kim. Their combined technological expertise and international experience enrich the scientific and operational capacity of the project.
The MOU signing gathered key academic, industry, and government leaders, including University President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D.; Jonie C. Yee, Ph.D. (Chair, Department of Biology); Gideo Ostrea (iPak and Treasure Island); Francis Dave C. Siacor, Ph.D. (Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering); Rosana Ferolin, D.I.T. (Dean, School of Engineering); and Engr. Ken Rondell C. Pajayat (Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VII).
A ceremonial memento signing was also held to symbolize mutual appreciation and reinforce the long-term commitment of all partners. This initiative is part of a broader sustainability strategy at USC, which includes strengthening waste segregation systems, promoting green engineering innovations, enhancing campus biodiversity and integrating sustainability across curricula.