Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Samar wild vine has potential as biofuel



by Nestor L. Abrematea July 24, 2016

Catarman, Northern Samar — A wild vine that thrives in the hinterland barangays of Palapag, Northern Samar, could be developed as a biofuel if it gets government support.
Palapag Mayor Ricardo Daiz said the vine, locally known as Dulce de corombot, is found only in his town. Given a government boost it can help solve the demand for biofuel in the country and can also be exported.
Daiz said the wild plant is highly flammable and but its fruit is sweet.
The mayor said he plans to propose to Agriculture Secretary Manny F. Piñol developing the commercial conversion of dulce de corombot into biofuel.
Daiz said a Korean firm had approached him with a proposal to mass produce the wild vine and build a biofuel plant in the town. He said there was no follow-up on the proposal.
Palapag, which will celebrate the 421st feast of its patron said, Our Lady of the Assumption on August 15, is one of the oldest towns in the country.
It looms large in the history of the galleon trade because the bee wax used by kings and queens in Europe were made in Palapag town, which was the center of Catholicism in the Visayas.
Its famous son is Juan Ponce Sumuroy, who led the revolt on June 1, 1649 against the Spaniards in Samar.
The town, which faces the Pacific Ocean, is five hours from Tacloban City via a newly built highway.

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