Inventors propose solution to oil spill

A group of Filipino inventors have come up with an "indigenous and practical solution" to the massive oil spill in Guimaras.

One of the solutions proposed by the Filipino Inventors Federation Inc. could mean recycling the oil spill using the green charcoal hydrogen process to produce hydrogen fuel, which it said could replace liquefied petroleum gas which is commonly used by households.

Federation chairman JC Catan Jr. said this proposed solution could also become a source of temporary livelihood for residents of Guimaras and other nearby affected areas, most of whom rely on fishing.

"Or depending on the raw materials available in the area and the market of green charcoal hydrogen in the region, the project may yet become a permanent livelihood project," Catan said.

In a description of the three integrated solutions to the environmental disaster at Guimaras, Catan said this involves the use of "products and raw materials that are 98 percent indigenous" that can be sprayed over the affected areas.

The proposed solutions are "practical, easy to apply and environment friendly."

The three integrated solutions also involve absorbing the oil using "live effective microorganisms that will eat up the oil spill and convert it into water and carbon dioxide."

Catan said they can make available the semi-portable machineries for the purpose of "mixing the oil spill with the green charcoal process in producing an alternate hydrogen cooking fuel or industrial fuel," as well as the exclusive patented products for the integrated solutions.

"Probably, the Guimaras oil spill is a tragic event that can still be made positive and work for the region as well as in the whole country," Catan said.