Tuba-tuba biofuel may reduce RP dependence on oil

The Philippines could potentially cut its oil bill significantly by tapping vast tracts of unproductive public and private lands all over the country for largescale bio-fuel crop cultivation.

Rodolfo Noel I. Lozada Jr., president and chief executive officer of the newlyorganized Philippine Forest Corporation (PhilForest), a government corporation, said over the weekend that his company has been mandated to propagate the commercial cultivation of the bio-fuel crop jatropha or tuba-tuba in partnership with farmers and agri-business enterprises.
Lozada said since the company has been empowered to provide support to beneficiaries of idle public lands, there is a high possibility that jatropha cultivation would expand faster than expected.

Among the areas targeted for tuba-tuba production are all idle public and private lands, particularly denuded mountains and forests.

With millions of hectares planted to the shrub, the country will be able to produce commercial volumes of renewable and environment-friendly biofuel (bio-diesel). Jatropha production would guarantee incomes for farmers and alleviate their poverty while addressing ecological concerns.

Manila Bulletin