Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Alternative fuel week declared
DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has issued an executive order declaring August 22-29 and every third week of August each year thereafter as the alternative fuels week in order to promote, develop and utilize alternative fuels.
Based on the order, copy of which was obtained by Sun.Star Monday, Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) blended with petroleum diesel fuel can reduce harmful emissions such as carbon particulates and greenhouse gases thereby improving air quality and the performance of engines.
"The City Government of Davao is committed to support and take the lead in the implementation of the program for the welfare of the people. We will also initiate in close cooperation with the alternative fuel industry, the transport sector and all other sectors of society to ensure the success of the said program in line with the memorandum of agreement it signed with the DOE," Duterte said.
Duterte said the use of CME in the petroleum industry will create a new and significant application for coconut oil and reinvigorate the Philippine coconut industry through the creation of a new domestic market and increase productivity.
Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Memorandum Circular No. 55 directing all departments, bureaus, offices and government-owned and controlled corporations to incorporate the use of one percent by volume CME in their diesel requirements.
The Alternative Fuels Program of the Department of Energy (DOE) is in line with the Sustainable Energy Development Program, a joint program of the United States Agency for International Development and United States Department of Energy. (AAG)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (August 23, 2005 issue)
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