CatSU Launches Innovative Training Program: Charcoal Briquette Making
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE (EC)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