Science dep't signs pact with PNOC for alternative fuel research

THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DOST) last week signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) to assess and identify research and development requirements of alternative fuels. The DOST was represented by its sub-agency the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD) while the PNOC was represented by its division Alternative Fuels Corporation (PAFC). Both will work on research and development on all aspects of alternative fuels, including biofuels, and will prepare a comprehensive research and development program from their current assessments. The PAFC will also be granting a 10.7 million peso initial grant for the program, starting with the establishment of a pilot demonstration plant on the processing of the plant Jatropha Curcas plant as biofuel. The DOST has been doing research on Jatropha for years but only implemented full-scale development for biofuel research for Jatropha late last year. The shrub is locally called tuba-tuba, tagumbao, sambo or tubang-bakod. Its seeds are the primary source of oil that can be used as biofuel. The signatories to the MOU are PAFC president and CEO Peter Anthony Abaya and DOST Undersecretary for R & D Graciano Yumul. The signing was witnessed by PCIERD Deputy Executive Director Raul Sabularse and PAFC executive Clovis Tupas.