|
The
government through PCARRD-Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
announced last 01 June its clamor for alternative energy sources,
particularly its research and development (R&D) project on the
utilization of Jatropha curcas or tubang bakod for
biodiesel production in a press conference held at the Sulo Hotel,
Quezon City.
The said R&D
project is part of the National Biofuel Program crafted through
the coordination of PCARRD-DOST and University of the Philippines
Los Baños (UPLB) in 2006. The program is the agencies’
contribution to the Biofuels Act of 2006, which mandates concerned
research agencies in the country to discover sustainable, reliable,
indigenous, renewable and biodegradable fuel alternatives.
The
program aims to integrate R&D efforts on Jatropha for
biofuel production to support the development of the biofuel industry
in the country.
Among
the R&D focus of the program are Germplasm Management; Varietal
Improvement and Seed Technology for Physic Nut; Development of Geographical
Information System-Aided Suitability Assessment for Commercial Production
of Jatropha curcas; and Development of Component Technologies
for Jatropha in Various Production Systems.
The
program also focuses on the Development of Farming System Models
Integrating Jatropha in Various Production Systems; Development
of Post Production Machinery for Jatropha curcas L., and
Process and Equipment Development for the Production of Esterified
Jatropha curcas oil.
The R&D
projects are implemented by UPLB, in collaboration with the Central
Luzon State University (CLSU), Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR), Local Government Units (LGUs), State Colleges
and Universities (SCUs), Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Chamber of Mines, and
the Department of Energy (DOE).
DOST Secretary
Estrella F. Alabastro, during the press conference, reiterated her
request to fast track the implementation of the R&D project
and provide findings within two years as these will serve as bases
on how the biofuel program would be crafted to help meet the country’s
energy requirements.
The Philippine
National Oil Corporation Alternative Fuel Corporation has already
funded three component projects, which commenced in May 2007.
The
utilization of Jatropha as biofuel is seen to decrease
oil imports and increase the country’s dollar reserves. It
is also expected to contribute towards energy independence, cleaner
environment, and rural employment. (Liza Gutierrez, S&T Media
Service)
|
