TURNING DESERT LANDS INTO FISHPONDS FOR AQUACULTURE

 TURNING DESERT LANDS INTO FISHPONDS FOR AQUACULTURE

Technically speaking, lahar-covered lands in the Philippines are not much different from desert lands. Both are barren, both resist farming, and both are often seen as wasted spaces. But what if, instead of seeing them as wastelands, we viewed them as opportunities?

In China, they have already proven that deserts can be turned into fishponds. In the Taklimakan Desert of Xinjiang, often called the “Sea of Death,” controlled environments have been built where seafood and even pearls are grown in synthetic saltwater systems. If they can do it in one of the harshest landscapes on Earth, why can’t we do the same in our lahar plains in Pampanga, Tarlac, or Zambales?

To be clear, I am not talking about freshwater fish ponds. I am talking about seawater aquaculture—farms for marine fish and shellfish, created inland by mimicking the chemical, biological, and ecological properties of the ocean. The technology is not science fiction. Aquaculture scientists already know how to recreate seawater: start with freshwater, add the right balance of marine salts, and carefully adjust salinity, temperature, and nutrients until the fish “believe” they are swimming in the sea.

In fact, commercial marine salt mixes already exist for aquariums and aquaculture, used worldwide by marine breeders. Add to that an aquamimicry approach—where beneficial bacteria, plankton, and probiotics are cultivated to simulate natural food chains—and you can have a thriving marine ecosystem, even far from the coast.

Why Do This?

The benefits are obvious. First, livelihoods. Fisherfolk and farmers displaced by lahar could be trained and employed in marine aquaculture. Second, food security. Our growing population needs more protein sources, and fish is still the cheapest and healthiest option for many families. Third, land use. Instead of letting lahar lands remain idle, we could convert them into productive aquaculture hubs.

China is already doing this on a massive scale. Their desert aquaculture farms are producing not only fish but also pearls, while their deserts also host solar megaprojects and eco-tourism initiatives. What was once barren is now a driver of local economies.

Can We Do It in the Philippines?

Why not? We have scientists and engineers. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) could lead the initiative, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for technical research and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for land-use policies. State universities in Central Luzon could become training centers, while LGUs could provide the land and manpower.

Even TESDA could come in by developing specialized training programs for aquaculture technicians. After all, maintaining synthetic seawater systems requires monitoring salinity, pH, oxygen levels, and biological balance—skills that can be taught.

Challenges to Overcome

Of course, this won’t be simple. Building fishponds in lahar lands would require reliable water sources, energy for pumps and filtration, and constant technical supervision. Costs could be high at the beginning, but if China’s experience is any indication, these investments can pay off in the long term. Moreover, using renewable energy—say, solar farms in lahar areas to power aquaculture systems—could lower operating costs and make the initiative more sustainable.

A Strategic Opportunity

This is where systems thinking comes in. By combining aquaculture, renewable energy, and local livelihood, lahar lands could become self-sustaining eco-industrial zones. Imagine Pampanga not only exporting milkfish, but also producing shrimp, sea bass, or even oysters inland—using technology that turns waste land into wealth land.

The Philippines has always been blessed with coastlines, yet ironically we import some of our seafood because of overfishing and degraded marine habitats. Turning lahar lands into synthetic seawater fishponds would diversify production and lessen the pressure on our seas.

The Big Question

So, why not let us do it? Why not convert lahar-covered areas into marine aquaculture farms that create jobs, strengthen food security, and showcase Filipino ingenuity?

The land is there. The technology exists. The need is urgent. The only missing ingredient is leadership—the political will to launch pilot projects, bring agencies together, and invest in a bold vision.

If deserts in China can produce pearls, surely lahar lands in Pampanga can produce prawns.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 

01-07-2026

HYBRID COMPUTING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

 HYBRID COMPUTING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Local Government Units (LGUs) today are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea when it comes to their computing infrastructure. On one hand, cloud computing offers the obvious advantages of scalability, remote access, and integration with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) tools. On the other hand, keeping sensitive data on-premises feels safer and more reassuring to many mayors and governors. Understandably so—after all, barangay-level records such as land titles, health files, and burial documents are not the kind of information one would want floating around in cyberspace, vulnerable to leaks or breaches.

But why make it an either/or choice when the best answer is both? Enter hybrid computing—a solution that blends the flexibility of the cloud with the security and control of on-premise systems. In my experience managing databases, this hybrid approach works, and it works well.

What Hybrid Computing Means for LGUs

In practice, hybrid computing means LGUs can store sensitive records locally while offloading analytics, big data crunching, and AI processing to the cloud. For example:

• Resident profiles and permits could be maintained securely on local servers.
  
  

• Flood risk predictions or traffic flow analysis could be powered by cloud-based AI, with the results sent back to LGUs in real-time.
  
  

• Healthcare diagnostics (like lung sound analysis or mobile x-ray readings) could be processed locally, then synced with cloud databases for broader epidemiological monitoring.
  
  

This dual system is especially important in the Philippines, where internet connectivity can be patchy. With hybrid computing, barangays can keep operating offline when the internet is down, and then sync with the cloud once the connection returns.

Practical Applications in the Local Setting

Think of the opportunities:

• Barangay Information Systems – A hybrid system can streamline issuance of clearances and permits while still keeping personal data secured.
  
  

• Disaster Response – Edge devices can track relief goods and evacuation numbers locally, while cloud dashboards allow national agencies to coordinate support.
  
  

• Traffic & Mobility – Sensors deployed in cities can record local traffic, with cloud analytics providing optimization strategies.
  
  

• Digital Governance – Citizens could request documents or track services through hybrid portals that combine local verification with cloud-based platforms.
  
  

The result? Faster service delivery, less paperwork, and greater transparency.

The AI Imperative

Here’s the bottom line: whether they like it or not, LGUs will have to embrace AI to meet the demands of governance in the 21st century. The population is growing, urban challenges are multiplying, and disasters are becoming more frequent. Without AI-driven insights, LGUs will always be reactive rather than proactive. Hybrid computing provides the perfect entry point because it allows cautious adoption—leaders don’t have to let go of their control over data, but they can still benefit from cloud-based intelligence.

Who Should Lead the Way?

This raises the question of leadership. Should the DILG mandate hybrid adoption for LGUs? Should the DICT provide the infrastructure and technical backbone? Should the DOST handle research and pilot projects, while TESDA trains local IT staff to manage hybrid systems? In reality, it will require all of them working together. Just as housing projects require DENR, DHSUD, and LGUs to coordinate, digital governance needs multi-agency synergy.

Steps Forward

I would suggest starting with pilot barangays. Train “tech stewards” who can manage both the local servers and cloud sync. Encourage universities and youth hackathons to co-develop hybrid solutions tailored to local problems—say, AI for traffic congestion in Quezon City, or predictive analytics for flooding in Pampanga. And most importantly, ensure interoperability with national databases like PhilSys, DOH, and DILG so that local data feeds seamlessly into the bigger picture.

The Bigger Picture

Hybrid computing isn’t just a technical fix; it’s a governance innovation. It offers data sovereignty without technological isolation. It keeps communities empowered while opening the door to national integration. And it provides a way for local governments to modernize responsibly, without gambling away security.

In the end, LGUs must ask themselves: Do we want to remain paper-heavy, reactive bureaucracies, or do we want to leap into a future where data drives better services? The hybrid path allows us to do both—to keep one foot on solid ground, and the other stepping confidently into the cloud.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 

01-06-2026

BUILDING BRICKS FROM USED PLASTIC BOTTLES

 BUILDING BRICKS FROM USED PLASTIC BOTTLES

This is common sense that belongs in my list of no-brainers. On one hand, we are drowning in plastic waste. Used bottles pile up in landfills, clog esteros, and float in our seas. On the other hand, we face a massive housing backlog that worsens every year. If two major problems are staring us in the face, why not let one solve the other? Why not turn plastic waste into building bricks for social housing, schools, and health clinics?

The technology already exists. Brazil, for instance, has been experimenting with 3D printing machines that transform discarded PET bottles into durable building blocks. These aren’t just crude makeshift bricks — they are precision-made interlocking panels that can be snapped together like Lego. The process is simple but transformative: collect used bottles, shred them, melt them, and feed the material into modified 3D printers that extrude thick, solid layers. The result is a brick that is strong, water-resistant, and insulating. Best of all, this method doesn’t need cement, which means less carbon emissions and much lower costs.

Imagine the possibilities if we do the same in the Philippines. Housing agencies estimate that our backlog in socialized housing has reached millions of units. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) says we generate about 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, with at least 20% ending up in the ocean. That’s an environmental crisis begging for a solution. Turning bottles into bricks is both literal and symbolic: we could transform pollution into protection, and trash into shelter.

The question is: who should take the lead? Logically, DENR could step in, since this is a solid waste management issue. But the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) should also have a stake, because the end goal is housing. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the LGUs could help by providing land. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) could provide the machines and technical know-how, while TESDA could train local workers to operate the equipment and assemble the homes. Clearly, this is a case where inter-agency cooperation is not just desirable — it is necessary.

The beauty of this technology is that it also creates livelihoods. Waste pickers could earn by supplying the raw materials. Communities could run cooperative fabrication hubs where plastic waste streams are turned into bricks. TESDA graduates could gain employment in brickmaking and house construction. What used to be a throwaway bottle could become a paycheck, a wall, or a roof.

If Brazil can build schools and clinics with recycled plastic, why can’t we? In disaster-prone areas, these quick-to-assemble plastic houses could serve as emergency shelters. In informal settlements, they could be used to provide safer and more durable housing. Even barangay-level projects could adopt them, reducing both plastic waste and housing shortages at the grassroots. Of course, challenges exist. We need to ensure these bricks meet structural standards for safety. We also need investment to procure machines and establish fabrication sites. But these are not insurmountable barriers. What we lack is not the technology, but the political will and coordinated action.

This is where circular economy thinking comes in. Instead of burying waste in dumpsites, we cycle it back into productive use. Instead of importing expensive construction materials, we turn local trash into affordable infrastructure. Instead of treating plastic as a curse, we redefine it as a resource.

If we can build dignity out of discarded bottles, why wouldn’t we? The Philippines has long struggled with twin crises of waste and housing. Here is a rare chance to solve two problems with one strike. The only question left is whether our leaders will seize it — or whether we will continue to drown in bottles while families remain homeless. The bricks are waiting. The bottles are piling up. The need is urgent. The only thing missing is action.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 

01-05-2026

SEVEN COUNTRIES ARE USING MOSTLY RENEWABLE ENERGY

SEVEN COUNTRIES ARE USING MOSTLY RENEWABLE ENERGY

If seven other countries can do it, why can’t we? If no country in Southeast Asia has done it yet, why can’t the Philippines be the first?

It sounds like a wild idea, an impossible dream, but it’s not. As of today, seven countries—Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—are already generating nearly all of their electricity from renewable sources like hydro, geothermal, solar, and wind. If they can do it, then it could get as real for us as it gets.

In fact, we are already on that path. We have hydropower plants in many of our rivers. We are the second-largest producer of geothermal energy in the world, after the United States. Solar and wind are slowly but surely entering the mainstream. So why aren’t we moving faster?

To begin with, we need to set clear and ambitious targets. Better still, we should declare a firm target year for achieving total energy independence—100% renewable. Without a date, targets are just wish lists. With a date, it becomes a commitment.

But assuming we do set such a target, the next logical question is: where are we now? And how far are we from that goal? Are we measuring only electricity, or also fuel and gas? This is especially relevant now that the world is shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs). EVs could reduce our reliance on imported fuel, but at the same time, they will demand much more electricity. Will our grid be ready for that?

This transition could be both an opportunity and a problem. An opportunity, because we can cut oil imports drastically. A problem, if we fail to ramp up renewable electricity production fast enough.

Is anyone coordinating this effort? Are the hydro experts talking to the geothermal experts? Are the solar developers in touch with the wind sector? We need orchestration, not silos. Without a clear master plan, each source develops on its own, without complementing the others.

From which renewable source should we expect the bulk of our energy? Hydro has potential, but it depends on rainfall. Geothermal is stable, but it requires expensive drilling. Solar is abundant but intermittent. Wind can work in certain corridors like Ilocos and Guimaras. Shouldn’t we map out the best mix, and then align financing, laws, and incentives to make it happen?

If we know the obstacles, we can find the solutions. Are the problems legal—perhaps outdated laws and red tape? Are they financial—too costly for private investors without government guarantees? Or are they political—too many vested interests in coal and oil? Transparency here is key.

Among the seven renewable leaders, some are already net exporters of electricity. Paraguay, for example, sells power to Brazil. Bhutan exports to India. Ethiopia is aiming to supply neighboring countries. Could we possibly do the same in ASEAN one day?

Here’s another practical question: is anyone seriously studying the costs and benefits of shifting households from LPG gas ranges to electric stoves and induction cookers? If electric cooking is cheaper and cleaner, why are we still hooked on imported LPG?

My suggestion is to empower the electric cooperatives. Right now, most of them are only distributors of electricity. Why not allow and support them to also become producers? They can build community solar farms, small hydro projects, or even invest in wind turbines. This would decentralize power generation and bring ownership closer to the people.

We must remember that renewable energy is not only about the environment. It is also about sovereignty, jobs, and resilience. Every kilowatt of renewable power we generate is a peso saved from importing fuel. Every renewable plant built here means jobs for Filipinos. And every solar panel or wind turbine is a shield against the volatility of global oil prices.

So, again, if Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, and Congo can do it, why can’t we? The Philippines is blessed with sunshine, rivers, geothermal heat, and coastal winds. Nature has already given us everything we need. All we have to do is organize ourselves, set clear goals, and summon the political will to act.

The question is not whether we can do it. The question is: when will we start taking it seriously?

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 

01-04-2026

SEAWEEDS FOR BIOFUELS

SEAWEEDS FOR BIOFUELS

Is it possible that the fuel of the future is growing quietly under the sea? Many scientists and entrepreneurs around the world think so. And yet, despite being one of the world’s leading seaweed producers, the Philippines is still stuck exporting raw seaweeds and carrageenan, while we continue to import crude oil.

Let us start with India, which 15 years ago began exploring the use of seaweeds as a biofuel. Four graduates from IIT Madras founded a company called Sea6 Energy in 2010. Their idea was simple but bold: farm seaweeds in deep waters, harvest them with specialized machines, and turn them into biocrude. Unlike corn or sugarcane, seaweeds don’t need land, fertilizers, or freshwater. They grow fast, they yield plenty of biomass, and they can be harvested several times a year. That’s why India is betting on them as a possible replacement for imported fossil fuels.

Contrast that with our situation here. The Philippines has a seaweed industry roadmap that mentions biofuels as a “future application,” but the Department of Agriculture and its fisheries bureau (DA-BFAR) are still the lead agencies. With due respect, seaweeds for fuel should be under the Department of Energy (DOE), not agriculture. We don’t expect DA to manage our oil refineries, so why should they take the lead on a potential energy revolution?

Right now, our seaweed sector is structured around exports. About 13% is sold as raw dried seaweed, while 22% is exported as carrageenan (a product where we are among the world’s leaders), and another 65% as processed chips. Cebu and Manila host most of our carrageenan factories. The U.S., China, Spain, and Belgium buy from us. In fact, DA has even allocated ₱1 billion for labs, dryers, and training to expand carrageenan output. That’s good for trade, but it still locks us into a low-value chain when the real future lies in energy.

Globally, other countries are not waiting. France is experimenting with seaweed-based biomethane and biohydrogen. Japan is using Ulva and Laminaria for ethanol. South Korea is integrating seaweed biofuels into its “blue economy” strategy. Even Norway and China are investing heavily. In the Caribbean, researchers are turning invasive Sargassum blooms into fuel.

So here is my question: why is the Philippines—an archipelago with one of the longest coastlines in the world—not leading this race? Is it because we are comfortable being mere suppliers of raw materials, while other nations develop high-value products? Are we afraid of taking risks on new technologies? Or are we trapped by bureaucratic boundaries where DA and DOE don’t know how to collaborate?

The Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP) is already pushing innovation in bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. Why not biofuels? We have 85,000 hectares of unutilized seaweed farming areas, especially in BARMM, Zamboanga, and MIMAROPA. If India can farm in deep waters, why can’t we? If Malaysia has already identified over 400 species with biofuel potential, why aren’t we mapping our own?

The science is clear. Seaweeds can be converted into biofuels through anaerobic digestion (biogas), fermentation (ethanol, butanol), and thermochemical processes (biocrude, biodiesel). They are rich in carbohydrates like mannitol and alginate, which are ideal for bioenergy. The real challenges are cost, scalability, and environmental safeguards. But these are engineering problems, not impossibilities.

In fact, this fits perfectly with our national needs. The Philippines imports most of its crude oil, exposing us to price shocks. We also need to decarbonize if we are serious about climate goals. Seaweed biofuels could help us reduce imports, strengthen coastal livelihoods, and position us as a pioneer in the global blue economy.

It is not too late to start. But someone has to take the lead, and it cannot just be DA-BFAR. This is energy policy, not just aquaculture. The DOE, DOST, and private investors should step in. Pilot projects can be launched in Mindanao, where seaweed farming is already strong. Universities like UP-MSI and Mindanao State University can join forces with SIAP and local cooperatives. Imagine a “seaweed energy corridor” along the Sulu archipelago powering coastal towns with locally grown biofuel.

Let me end with a simple reminder. The Philippines once led in coconut biodiesel before we lost our edge to Brazil and Indonesia. Are we going to repeat the same mistake with seaweeds? The ocean may well hold our next big energy source. But only if we act now—before we are once again left behind, selling raw materials while others sell us back the finished product.

Technologies Used

• Anaerobic digestion → Biomethane

• Dark fermentation → Biohydrogen

• Thermochemical conversion → Biocrude and biodiesel

• Fermentation → Bioethanol and biobutanol

These countries are leveraging seaweed’s fast growth, high sugar content, and low input requirements to develop low-carbon, marine-based energy systems.

Would you like a comparative framework showing how the Philippines could adapt these models for barangay-level energy sovereignty?

No country has fully commercialized seaweed-based biofuels yet, but several are approaching pre-commercial or pilot-scale deployment, especially for niche applications like biogas, biocrude, and bioethanol.

Status Snapshot

Country	Commercialization Status	Notes
South Korea	Pre-commercial	Government-backed pilots for bioethanol and biogas; strong aquaculture base
France	Pilot-scale	Biomethane and biohydrogen from Sargassum in Brittany; EU-funded projects
Japan	Advanced R&D	Small-scale production integrated with coastal restoration and IMTA systems
China	Experimental	Large-scale seaweed farming; exploring conversion tech but not yet commercial
Norway	Pilot-scale	Biogas and bio-oil from macroalgae; linked to aquaculture and circular systems
India	Early-stage	Sea6 Energy developing biocrude from deep-sea seaweed farms; not yet commercial

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Why Full Commercialization Is Elusive

• High production costs compared to fossil fuels and land-based biofuels

• Seasonal variability and species-specific challenges

• Lack of integrated value chains from farming to fuel conversion

• Policy gaps in marine biomass energy regulation

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That said, seaweed biofuels are gaining traction as part of blue carbon, energy sovereignty, and circular economy strategies. 

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 

01-03-2026