By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

Just like his previous engagements with the Mariano Marcos State University, Dr. Sergio C. Capareda has productively completed his 46-day stint as balik-scientist. He helped the university boost its biomass renewable energy production. 

In an exit conference held June 9 at the Conference Room in the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC), the professor of the Texas A&M University in the United States presented his accomplishments before university officials, researchers, and students. 

Dr. Capareda said he helped MMSU develop alternative uses of bioethanol wastes, which could pave the way in conducting possible projects on animal feed, mushroom cultivation, and more ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass. 

The balik-scientist also assisted the university in reviving its anaerobic digestion system for improved biomass production. He provided technical guidance to improve the university’s downdraft gasifier, and crafted a comprehensive program for waster conversion into fuel, power, and biochar materials. 

Moreover, he took part in crafting the university’s research proposals for funding: waste to energy conversion systems via pyrolysis; rehabilitation of the university anaerobic digester; water harvesting concept; renewable energy science and technology park; green climate fund concept; and smart campus, city, and transport. 

The Texas A&M professor also conducted lectures on probiotics, basic fermentation engineering, and advanced biofuel production to engineering students and those taking up the Professional Science Masters in Renewable Energy Engineering.

“Despite the limited period of time, my latest engagement with MMSU this year was still wonderful,” Dr. Capareda beamed, expressing high hopes that “our accomplishments will lead to new initiatives that will bring more tangible outputs for the university.” 

For her part, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis thanked the visiting professor for his productive and meaningful service in the university. She said, “He is truly a treasured part of the MMSU community, because he has helped us craft our framework on the balik-scientist program, which now makes the university a haven of visiting experts.” Dr. Capareda previously served in MMSU in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018.

Engr. Nathaniel Ericson Mateo, NBERIC OIC-director, said they are glad with the inputs that Dr. Capareda provided to them, saying these will surely help the university in strengthening its research and development program on clean and renewable energy. 

The Balik-Scientist Program of the Department of Science and Technology serves as big help in developing impactful science and technology initiatives to communities. This is in line with the university’s goal to create relevant and innovative research programs under the ACHIEVE agenda of President Agrupis. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)