The Department of Energy (DOE) has granted Xavier University (XU) P3.3 M for research and development on cassava as source of bioethanol. The research project seeks to evaluate the potential of several varieties of cassava in Northern Mindanao for the development of a pilot scale cassava bioethanol plant.

“We are very hopeful that the testing will yield positive results,” said DOE Undersecretary Jose Layug during the launching of the project at the XU Covered Courts. “This will be a game changer for Mindanao.”

Layug said that one of the priorities of DOE is the promotion of alternative fuels. He shared that the country still lacks 300 million liters of biofuels. The study with XU’s Agricultural Engineering Department can contribute to the country’s attempt to become energy self-sufficient, he said.
 
Bro Noel Cantago SJ, XU vice president for Mission and Ministry, remarked that the research is accordant with XU’s promotion of sustainable development. He added that part of XU’s goal is to align with the thrusts of the government. “Through this project, we hope to bring more development to Northern Mindanao.”

Northern Mindanao is one of the major cassava producing regions in the Philippines. Cassava is being used for food, feeds and for other industrial activities. Ethanol is produced from the fermentation of cassava using bacteria, fungi and yeast.

College of Agriculture Dean Roel Ravanera accepts the check worth P3.3M from DOE Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Mario Marasigan for the research project on bioethanol production potential of cassava varieties in Northern Mindanao