Mar 12 2008
The Supreme Council of Datus Alimaong has reached agreement with Monterey, CA-based Abundant Biofuels Corporation to develop more than 1.2 million acres of ancestral domain for production of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas in underused Lumad lands on the island of Mindanao.
Dr. Rene Q. Lacsina, president of Abundant Biofuels Philippines, Inc. and an agronomist-scientist, sees this jatropha or tubatuba global venture as a golden opportunity for indigenous Filipinos to show the rest of the nation " ... the way to be productive citizens contributing to genuine freedom essential for restoring the nation into justice, righteousness and peace while participating in the lucrative global biofuel industry."
Abundant Biofuels CEO Dr. Charles Fishel stated, "Jatropha is the only biodiesel feedstock that does not divert agricultural land from food production. It has the added advantage of producing 20 times more energy than the energy required to produce it." Fishel adds that, "Most other feedstock consumes almost as much energy in production as the energy it is supposed to supply as fuel."
Under its groundbreaking agreement, Abundant Biofuels will deploy part of its profits for infrastructure development on the island of Mindanao, including improved housing, medical care programs, better schoolroom facilities and resources for people to affirm cultural identities such as music, dance, food, attire and drama.
APO Amay Tawahig, Supreme Datu, Supreme Council of Datus Alimaong, said, "It will be a new day of positive community growth when families and communities can make their land productive and they will be part of gainful employment in providing cleaner and greener alternative energy to the country."