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Archives
January 1-31, 2007
DA sets direction in support to BioFuels Law
by Marlowe U. Aquino, Ph.D.
The Technology-Investment Forum on Sweet Sorghum for Ethanol Production held on 19 January 2007 at the BSWM Convention Hall, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City was well attended and successful activity. This can be primarily attributed to the full support of DA Secretary Arthur C. Yap, Director General William D. Dar of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar, and the participation of the private sector including business sector, academe, regional research and development centers, government and non-government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
Highlighting the Department of Agriculture's support to Republic Act 9367, also known as the Biofuels Act of 2006 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on 12 January 2007 during the ASEAN Summit in Cebu City, Philippines, Secretary Yap emphasized that DA's programs on the production of biofuels will be technologically available and increase job opportunities to individuals.
With the identification and intensification of existing and alternative crops such as sugarcane, cassava, jatropha, and sweet sorghum, DA will be all out in making agriculture an image of energy source. In so doing, he proposed three initial activities to be instituted in the department. These are the creation and establishment of a biofuel group to oversee the coordination and management of biofuel programs and activities; encourage and seek the assistance of the “veterans” to support DA initiatives (veterans are retired DA officials whose enthusiasm and dedication are still up on issues confronting farmers and fisherfolk including areas in research and development and agriculture development as a whole); and a regular forum that will strengthen DA activities attractive to investors domestically and globally.
Moreover, Secretary Yap pointed out that there will be a shift in the DA's development paradigm, particularly on sweet sorghum, as the initial crop for biofuel; improve other conditions in support of this initiative and enhance market activities that increase profit and improve product quality for a sustainable program. 
January 1-31 2001 Articles:
:: PGMA supports sweet sorghum for bioethanol
:: DA sets direction in support to BioFuels Law
:: Dr. Marlowe U. Aquino presenting MISD plans for 2007.
:: High-yielding crops from China tested for Philippine soil; adoption of super sweet corn and soya bean considered
:: Chinese scientists visit RP for agri-sciences cooperation
:: Scientists from ICRISAT visit MMSU sweet sorghum pilot-sites
:: Linking SCUs in commercializing technologies
:: Sweet sorghum to play major role in RP's drive for energy independence and agri job promotion
:: New livelihood opportunities for farmers in watershed areas
:: BAR programs address poverty-stricken areas
:: BAR sets new R&D directions; focuses projects for poorest provinces
:: e-Learning program: A convergence for A/F development
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