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The
Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and
Development (Pcierd) spelled out the specific areas of
focus of its projects for 2008.
Pcierd,
which celebrated its 26th anniversary on March 14,
explained that some areas of its current work are
continuing but most were identified from last year’s
consultations with industry and from Pcierd’s planning
activities. These areas respond to the Medium-Term
Philippine Development Plan, particularly on economic
growth, job creation and energy.
Energy
It
stressed that its role in the promotion of the use of
biofuels has been emphasized in the biofuels law. The
positive result of the pilot coco-methyl ester (CME)
commercial plant in Romblon strengthened Pcierd’s
endorsement for the use of 1 percent of CME blend with
diesel.
Pcierd, an
agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),
developed the road map on all research and development
(R&D)-related activities for the development of biofuels.
The
Biofuel R&D program Pcierd forwarded to the National
Biofuel Board (NBB) involves S&T infrastructure support
for the Biofuel Act, such as biofuel technology search,
assessment, validation and documentation, alternative
feedstock identification and development, feedstock raw
material and biofuel analysis, performance testing of
biofuel from different feedstock, techno-economic
viability assessment of biofuel production plant,
technology promotion and transfer.
Pcierd
will, likewise, sustain its activities on the development
of renewable energy, such as micro-hydro, solar, wind,
natural gas and marine.
The
science agency has shown the viability of micro-hydro in
communities far from the grid, solar power for irrigation,
wind turbines in Pagudpud and Basco, Batanes, and the 180
natural gas-fueled buses that ply the South Manila
Corridor.
Pcierd’s
promotional activities also aim to make energy
conservation a way of life of the Filipinos.
Biotech
Pcierd
continues to develop new products and technologies using
the country’s abundant food sources through the
application of biotechnology. Currently, it is concerned
with food biotech, functional foods and natural and
wellness products for the health-conscious.
Environment
The past
two years saw very erratic weather conditions in the
country and elsewhere in the world. The El Niño and La
Niña phenomena, and the increased number of super typhoons
literally wrought havoc to the economic activities of the
country.
With the
pressing issues and concerns on climate change, the DOST,
through Pcierd, will continue to address these concerns on
the environment. It also intends to educate the public on
these issues, including disaster management.
One of the
critical areas affected by variable weather conditions is
water. Either there is over-supply of water that dams need
to be released, or there is water shortage that dams
almost get dried up. Both conditions affect the country’s
power supply. As such, Pcierd plans the development of a
sustainable water-management program.
Special
programs
While
Pcierd will generate more funds to implement the above
plans on food biotech, energy and environment, it also
makes sure that continuing programs are sustained.
Its
special programs include the upgrading of testing
laboratories, packaging, food safety, the virgin coconut
oil (VCO) program, and high-impact programs, such as coco
coir, tropical wines and carbonated beverages.
Other
priority areas
To cover
all its sectoral areas, Pcierd will continue to provide
technical support to micro, small and medium enterprises,
give color to natural dyes, make ethnic foods become
popular, develop indigenous materials, and come up with
more indigenous housing designs and materials. | 
