TACLOBAN CITY (Ramil Uy, DOST) – It seems like Region 8’s State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) joined the bandwagon of institutions confronting the deadly kiss of COVID-19. These universities have their own ways to be a significant part of the increasing fighters against the invisible enemies; some done relief operations, production of sanitizers and distributed it to front liners, face masks, plastic face shields, etc. But Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City, through the leadership of President Dominador O. Aguirre, Jr., came up with ExCITE Drink. Using the DOST 8 – EVSU Eastern Visayas Food Innovation Center (EV-FIC), a group of the university’s Food Technologists developed a drink that will boost human energy they called ExCITE Drink.

According to the experts behind the drink, ExCITE which also means ‘to increase or energize’ is a freshly made drink from edible plant sources to help boost the immune system. It is made from carrot extract, moringa and calamansi juice that are rich in Vitamin C, Potassium, Beta-carotene, Calcium, and Iron. It also contains trace amounts of Protein. Chilled to retain its freshness, ExCITE brings the necessary nutrients to combat possible infection coming from the environment. From an organic and natural source, ExCITE drink is best served when chilled and is consumed immediately.

In a messenger message sent by the amiable President of the university, Aguirre quipped, “We have already produced and distributed 1,000 bottles to health workers and some barangay centers of Tacloban. This is in addition to the facemasks, face shields, food packs, root crops, and Bangus fish distributed by our campuses in Tacloban City and our campuses in Leyte province“.

Indeed, in times of adversities, our region’s universities are always ready to partner with other institutions to provide a solution to national pressing issues. And EVSU is always at the front and ready to face the battle.