In a bid to promote sustainable development through consequential services directly to the community, Catanduanes State University Extension Services (CatSU - ES) has launched a comprehensive training program on charcoal briquette making, September 12, 2024. The program is in collaboration with the Provincial Science & Technology Catanduanes (PSTC) and DOST Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI). It is also under the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program or DILP that is primarily aimed at providing long term source of income for farmers and fisher folks. The initiative also form part of CatSU's broader mission to address environmental concerns and support economic development in the island. Essentially, it aims to equip participants with comprehensive expertise that is required to effectively produce high-quality charcoal briquettes from coconut wastes, rice hull, pili nutshell, and bagasse. The two-day training comes with the objectives of ensuring to provide the participants the necessary proficiency in operating various types of briquetting machine for the production, equip them with the knowledge and practical skills needed for routine maintenance and troubleshooting of briquetting machines to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operation. It also included the provision of training on safety protocols and best practices for operating briquetting machines, making sure that all participants adhere to safety standards and operate equipment safely to prevent accidents and equipment damage. Charcoal briquettes, a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional charcoal, are made by compressing charcoal dust and other organic materials into uniform shapes. They offer a more sustainable energy source with reduced emissions and improved combustion efficiency.A total of 20 active participants were members of Progreso Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (PROCOFAGCO), the assisted association of the College of Industrial Technology-CatSU under the DOLE Livelihood Program. All association members have shown considerable interest in the program, viewing it as a chance to diversify their income sources and contribute to environmental sustainability. The training is also expected to foster community collaboration, with participants sharing knowledge and resources to improve production techniques and market reach.With the notable increase in production of copra that would equate to an increased waste like coconut shells, it is deemed necessary to create ways and think of other products that the organization can produce to increase profit out of this waste material. Thus, the association’s project proposal focused on the production of coco shell charcoal briquettes. Engr. Armando Allan DM. Bondad, Senior Science Specialist, one of the lead coordinator for the training program, highlighted the significance of the initiative and shared his insights and expertise on the various materials that can be used and maximized for charcoal briquette making, such as coconut shells, pili nut shells, rice hull, and bagasse (the dry pulpy fibrous material that remains after crushing sugarcane or sorghum stalks to extract their juice). He also anchored his discussion on the modern technology and ways of charcoal-making. Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, CatSU President, expressed his gratitude to all organizers and participants. "This initiative not only addresses the growing need for sustainable energy solutions but also creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs. By providing practical training, we're helping our dear kababayans develop skills that can lead to new business ventures and contribute to environmental conservation." He also emphasized the university’s goal, through the Extension Services Unit, is to deliver CatSU’s services to everyone in the entire province. Just recently, September 4, 2024, Dr. Azanza gladly shared on his official facebook page the good news about the fifty-six (56) community organizations that the CatSU flagship program, Padagos na Patanos Movement, is helping, has now started receiving the assistance funds requested from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). (PROCOFAGCO) of the municipality of San Miguel is one of the first ten (10) DOLE-approved community organization that has been given the notice of approval for their start-up fund of 251,000php. As the program progresses, CatSU plans to track the impact on both local economies and environmental health. Success stories from participants will be highlighted in future updates, showcasing the benefits of sustainable energy practices and community-driven innovation. For more information on the charcoal briquette making training program, interested parties can contact CatSU Extension Services Unit through its official Facebook Page: Catanduanes State University Extension Services
