ROLYSON Simpliciano, a 2008 biology graduate, has been chosen as one of the 12 Bayer Young Environmental Envoys for 2008.  He was selected from among 100 aspirants from different state colleges and universities in the country.

As envoy, he is required by Bayer Philippines and its partner, United Nations Environment Programme, to implement his project for three months which started on June 10.  He is working on the integrated use of lignocellulosic for mushroom and biopulp production. His winning proposal, which was his undergraduate thesis, is to duplicate the technology for mushroom and handmade paper making in collaboration with the Sangguniang Kabataan of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. His thesis adviser was Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis who is assisting him now in his project.

Simpliciano will also attend a live-in Eco-Camp on Sept. 20-24 together with the rest of the selected Bayer Young Environmental Envoys from various parts of the country. This intends to give them an overview of the Philippine environment and the current efforts of various sectors at addressing environmental problems.  Speakers representing government, academe, industry, and civil society will share experiences and contributions to environmental preservation. Part of the activities will also include a tour to places that are of environmental significance.

At the end of the Eco-Camp, a panel of judges will choose the top four Bayer Young Environmental Envoys in a final judging to be held at The EDSA-Shangri-La on Sept. 25. Each envoy’s project will be evaluated on its merits based on the actual results and outputs delivered.

The judging will be capped by an Awards Presentation Night to be held at the Grand Ballroom of EDSA-Shangri-La Hotel.  The top four envoys will join their counterparts from 16 other countries worldwide in an all-expense paid educational trip to Germany on Nov. 1-8.