Opportunity to Explore Biochar Technology for Environmental and Agricultural Benefits

01-07-2025 His Excellency Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. President of the Republic of the Philippines Malacañang Palace Manila Your Excellency, Subject: Opportunity to Explore Biochar Technology for Environmental and Agricultural Benefits I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a remarkable innovation in renewable energy and environmental sustainability that could benefit our country. A recent article published on www.thecooldown.com titled “Engineer discovers incredible potential of banana peels as unconventional energy source: ‘Very important for the future’” highlights the work of Steve Djeutchou, a certified engineer in renewable energies based in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Mr. Djeutchou has developed a method to transform organic waste, including banana peels, into an environmentally friendly product known as "biochar." Biochar is an ecological charcoal produced through the pyrolysis of organic materials in a low-oxygen environment. Unlike traditional charcoal, its production does not require deforestation, making it a sustainable alternative. Key characteristics and benefits of biochar include: 1. Soil Amendment: Improves soil health by enhancing structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, leading to better crop yields. 2. Carbon Sequestration: Stores carbon in a stable form for years or even centuries, reducing CO₂ emissions. 3. Pollution Remediation: Binds heavy metals and pollutants, aiding in soil and water remediation. 4. Nutrient Retention: Enhances fertilizer efficiency due to its porous structure and high cation exchange capacity. 5. Environmental Impact: Mitigates climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil resilience to droughts and floods. 6. Historical Context: Builds on ancient agricultural practices like the "terra preta" soils of the Amazon. Although biochar is not new to the Philippines, Mr. Djeutchou’s innovative methods and use of banana peels could provide valuable insights. The Philippines produces significant volumes of banana peels from manufacturing products such as banana catsup and banana chips. Leveraging this waste to produce biochar could lower production costs and help reduce forest destruction caused by kaingin. Mr. President, I respectfully suggest that you instruct our Embassy in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to reach out to Engineer Djeutchou to obtain information about his technology and explore its potential application in the Philippines. By copy of this letter, I am also requesting the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources to act on this opportunity. Additionally, I request the Secretary of Science and Technology, in cooperation with the Department of Energy, to study how this technology can be adopted and implemented in the Philippines. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am confident that under your leadership, we can harness this innovative approach to support our environmental and agricultural goals. Respectfully yours, Ramon Ike V. Seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com cc: Hon. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Hon. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Hon. Secretary of Science and Technology Hon. Secretary of Energy