March 11, 2006
Coco BioDiesel: The Alternative Fuel Solution
(from the Department of Energy)
Biodiesel is a renewable and biodegradable diesel fuel extracted from plant oil. A natural hydrocarbon with negligible sulfur content, it will substantially help in reducing emissions from diesel-fed engines. It is now commonly used in the United States, Canada, Thailand, and many countries in Europe.
The Philippines has launched the use of biodiesel, particularly, Coconut Methyl Ester or CME. CME is derived from coconut oil and is more appropriately known as Coco-Biodiesel. Compared with other forms of biodiesels, the medium carbon chain of Coco-Biodiesel offers excellent LUBRICITY, SOLVENCY, and DETERGENCY. Studies show that the addition of Coco-Biodiesel results in better combustion, less pollution, and more engine power; the engines run smoothly & with longer maintenance intervals!
Because of these outstanding characteristics, Biodiesel is considered first-rate and highly adaptable.
WHY USE Coco-BIODIESEL?
Environmental & Health Benefits
Coco-Biodiesel…
· is renewable and biodegradable, being plant-based.
· lowers emission of nitrous oxide and sulfur oxide - the main contributors to smog.
· significantly reduces serious air pollutants such as black smoke and air toxics that cause lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis, heart attack and stroke
· means less emission and cleaner air.
Economic Benefits to Vehicle Owners and Drivers
Coco-Biodiesel …
· cuts maintenance costs because of its superior lubricating and cleaning properties.
· promotes better, more efficient combustion and less engine vibration because of its higher cetane number and inherent oxygen content.
· boosts engine power and acceleration
· improves fuel economy by as much as 20%, which means you get more mileage and big savings per liter.
Economic Benefits to the Coconut Industry
Coco-Biodiesel…
· will provide and establish a long-term, sustainable alternative domestic market and as a result, will stabilize the domestic coconut production, resulting in more income price of copra.
· will enhance farm-based reintegration of opportunities.
Economic Benefits to the Country
Coco-Biodiesel …
· will spearhead the introduction of the ester industry in the Philippines -an industry that would create more jobs.
· will provide a potential high-value export product.
· will promote participation of the Philippines in the potentially huge biofuel industry.
· will enhance energy supply security through the use of indigenous resources, at the same time resulting in foreign exchange savings.
· will benefit 3.5 million coconut farmers and 20 million Filipinos dependent on the coconut industry.
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March 7, 2006
National Science And Technology Plan 2002-2020
Author's note: This entry will be a part of my lecture on the Future of Science and Technology in the Philippines in my Science and Technology and Society class at the University of Pangasinan. I will use the National Science And Technology Plan 2002-2020 as a springboard for my class discussion.
National Science And Technology Plan 2002-2020
I. Introduction
The National Science and Technology Plan for 2002-2020 (NSTP 2020) is a long-term indicative plan which defines, in broad strokes, the direction of science and technology (S&T) development in the Philippines for the next 18 years. It is the S&T community's response to the national leadership's call for S&T to be the foundation of future economic development in the country. The Plan is supportive of the visions and goals stated in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) which are: macroeconomic stability with equitable growth based on free enterprise, agriculture and fisheries modernization with social equity, comprehensive human development, and good governance.
Although NSTP 2020 is a long-term plan, it includes a short-term component (2002-2004) which outlines the specific programs that will be given emphasis, namely, research and development (R&D), technology transfer, human resource development, S&T promotion, information dissemination and advocacy, and linkaging or networking. The success of NSTP in the short and medium term depends upon the implementation of these programs.
The development of the NSTP has been a highly participatory process which took a year to finish since it was started in 2001. In coming up with the NSTP's visions, goals, strategies and area thrusts, consultations involving S&T experts and opinion leaders and stakeholders from the private sector, government, academe, and non-government organizations were held.
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In my Science and Technology and Society class at the University of Pangasinan, we had an enthusing discussion of scientific developments in the field of health science particularly the breakthroughs in food and drugs. One interesting topic that came up was the virgin coconut oil.
What makes it a virgin coconut oil? Is it true that it is a cure for AIDS? Is it true that it has anti-cancer properties? Is it true that it is non-fattening (and good for reducing obesity)? Is it a good antibacterial and antiviral agent? These were the common queries that came up during the discussion. Some students even said: I heard VCO could do this, VCO could do that…
If all these claims are true then the “tree of life” is the source of the “cure-all” for life. This could be even be the Philippines’ ticket to economic growth (The Philippines used to be the world's top coconut oil exporter). Does VCO deserve the monicker, "the health food of the 21st century"?
