Muntinlupa City - In a concerted effort to propel sustainable agricultural practices and explore cleaner energy alternatives, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB), and Straw Innovations, Ltd. came together to orchestrate a transformative Training on Biogas Production from Agricultural Wastes. The event unfolded at the Material Recovery Facility in Pacwood, Tunasan, showcasing a commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and technological innovation.
The primary objective of the training was to advocate for the adoption of alternative rice straw management methods. A key focus was on establishing an energy hub capable of generating clean and reliable energy for local consumption. Muntinlupa City, recognized for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainable practices, particularly with its functional 1,000 liters capacity Biogas Digester and 1 Ton capacity Bioreactor technologies, was chosen as the ideal venue for the Field Study and Hands-On Training.
Representatives from various sectors, including ITDI-DOST, DOST-NCR, Straw Innovations, SEARCA, SC Agritech Corp., and local government units from Pila and Victoria in Laguna, as well as Muñoz and Talavera in Nueva Ecija, actively participated in the event. The collaboration fostered an exchange of knowledge and expertise, contributing to a collective understanding of the potential benefits and applications of biogas technology in sustainable agriculture.
Steering the discussions during the training, Mr. Vincent Alon of ESC Muntinlupa provided valuable insights into the operation and maintenance of the biodigester. He also shed light on the multifaceted applications of by-products, such as biogas as an alternative fuel, sludge as a soil conditioner, and treated effluent as irrigation water.
This collaborative initiative not only represents a significant stride toward sustainable agricultural practices but also signifies a pivotal step in embracing cleaner energy solutions. By actively engaging with local communities and fostering partnerships between various stakeholders, the training aims to catalyze a broader adoption of eco-friendly practices in the agricultural landscape of the region.