PCIEERD, MMSU NBERIC, BatSU tackle bioethanol industry challenges
The MMSU National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) partnered with the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) and Batangas State University today, September 29, at the DOST Compound in Taguig City to take on bioethanol issues in the country.
The activity is part of the “Bioethanol Industry Productivity-Training Program (BIP-TP),” funded under the Bioethanol Research, Development, and Extension (BRDE) grant from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), led by Project Leader Dr. Marc Francis Labata.
Director James Paul Madigal led the MMSU-NBERIC delegation, alongside Mr. Lord Hendrich Casil and Dr. Jareason Fabre. The team shared their technical expertise to help industry practitioners open up about their everyday field experience and operational hurdles.
Dr. Madigal shared, "Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with our industry partners. By listening directly to their daily struggles and bottleneck issues, we can help build practical solutions that make local bioethanol production stronger, smarter, and more efficient."
As an initial next step, the team conducted a comprehensive training needs assessment among technical workers and plant operators from selected bioethanol facilities nationwide. Through these focus group discussions, the project team aims to identify processing inefficiencies, point out skill gaps, and design targeted training programs to boost local production.
DOST-PCIEERD Deputy Executive Director and OIC-Executive Director Engr. Niñaliza Escorial expressed her gratitude to all attendees, emphasizing that the gathered data will be crucial for PCIEERD's future support policies.
Likewise, Ethanol Producers Association of the Philippines (EPAP) Executive Director Engr. Queenie Rojo thanked over 14 bioethanol producers for participating and challenged them to maintain strong ties with research institutions like MMSU. EPAP Chairman and General manager of Progreen Agricorp, Inc. Ferdinand Masi described the collaboration as an "iron sharpens iron" opportunity, calling for continuous support to sustain the industry's growth.
Rounding out their visit, the NBERIC team also met with Engr. Rachel Habana, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Energy and Utilities Systems Technology Development Division (EUSTDD), on September 28 to further align research strategies of MMSU.
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