MMSU experts train Palawan partners on sustainable bioenergy development

A team of experts from MMSU trained various stakeholders of Palawan on strengthening local partnerships and community empowerment for sustainable bioenergy development.

 

Held last June 26-28 at the Western Philippines University (WPU) in Aborlan, Palawan, the training targeted 55 local nipa feedstock owners from the towns of Quezon and Aborlan, including representatives of the local government units and researchers of WPU.

 

The activity was led by Dr. Marlowe U. Aquino, MMSU’s project team leader for the Community-based Bioenergy Development and Capacity-Building Component of the National Bioenergy Research and Extension for Sustainable Development (NBioERESD).

 

Aquino said the training also served as venue to introduce the NBioERESD program to the stakeholders, and strengthening the potential of nipa for productive and profitable business ventures.

 

It also introduced strategies of establishing prospective partners’ commitment while incorporating the principles of bioenergy in the community in order for them to sustain operation for business entrepreneurship.

 

As an added venture, the team visited the nipa pilot sites to characterize the areas for a complete geographical information system (GIS) mapping of nipa feedstock plantations.

 

“These plans and programs will be implemented in  the next six months through massive validation of profiling local nipa farmers and owners, and community characterization,” Aquino said.

 

Quezon Mayor Joselito Ayala expressed the LGUs full support in the implementation of the NBioERESD in Palawan through proper coordination, management, and local governance.

 

“The LGUs in Palawan will be working with the experts from WPU, including all local nipa owners and farmers for the successful implementation of the program,” Ayala said.

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