In the wake of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage, the Philippine Army (PA) yesterday introduced the use of organic charcoal as a fuel alternative for cooking to its soldiers and their families.
Fashioned out from forest wastes such as fallen leaves and rice husks, organic charcoal was observed and tested to burn and last like the charcoals of cut tree branches.
Seeing an opportunity to earn extra income for soldiers’ families, the PA leadership decided to go full blast in conducting training-seminars on how to manufacture these organic charcoals at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.
The livelihood project dubbed as Charcoal Briquette Making is a novel way of generating charcoal from forest organic waste, according to 2nd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Roland Detabali.
“The program is very timely considering the shortage and rising cost of LPG,” Detabali said.
He said the program also aims to provide an alternative source of livelihood for soldiers who are retiring from the military service, military dependents, widows of deceased soldiers and local populace in some areas covered by the unit’s livelihood program assistance.
If replicated nationwide, the Charcoal Briquette Making will complement efforts to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources, as this will enhance recovery of forest wastes that would translate to the reduction of tree cutting for fuel.
Aside from being economically viable and environmental-friendly, Charcoal Briquette Making is also socially acceptable, as this will ease the need of LPG in cooking food.