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The
IRDP on Biofuels aims to provide science-based production and post-production
information and technology in support of the Environmental S&T
Agenda and the Biofuels Act of 2006.
The University
of the Philippines System and the University of the Philippines
Los Baños (UPLB) will be implementing the subprogram on Jatropha
curcas for biodiesel.
This subprogram
aims to merge R&D efforts on the agriculture aspects of Jatropha
for biofuel. It will help promote the biofuels industry in the country,
and promote rural employment and income.
Three out of
its five component projects, which started in May 2007, have received
funding commitment from the Philippine National Oil Corporation
- Alternative Fuel Corporation (PNOC-AFC). DOST Grants-In-Aid (GIA)
will financially support the other two components.
UPLB and the
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) will be implementing the
subprogram on utilization of sweet sorghum and cassava as feedstocks
for ethanol production.
This
subprogram, which aims to develop the best sweet sorghum varieties
for ethanol supports the DOST agenda on environment and alternative
energy program. The subprogram would also address problems on pests
and diseases of sweet sorghum to maximize the production of ethanol.
(Pia Paula P. Mateo, S&T Media Service)
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