Alternative biomass project for E. Samar launched

IN ITS advocacy to help the survivors of typhoon Yolanda in Lawaan, Eastern Samar, Siam Cement Group and its subsidiary, Mariwasa, has partnered with the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery and the Lawaan local government to create a program, Alternative Biomass Project, for the town’s residents.

This project aims to gather all the uprooted coconut trees caused by the typhoon last Nov. 8 and will use these as an alternative source of energy.

“Lawaan was badly affected by typhoon Yolanda, where the extent of the damage that happened in other areas, such as Tacloban, happened to us as well. Many lives were lost and our entire infrastructure was damaged. Moreover, the environment of the area was also affected, with hectares of coconut trees that were uprooted and damaged as well,” Lawaan Mayor Candida Eligio Garbornes said.

The uprooted coconut trees are a concern for Lawaan because as these trees decompose, these will attract insects in the area, which will destroy the crops and farm lands of the locals.

With an estimated 356,580 damaged coconut trees in the region, locals have resorted to burning the trees, which is detrimental to the environment. The project will enjoin the communities in Lawaan to clear vast areas of felled trees.

With the help of SCG-Mariwasa in providing the tools and vehicles for clearing and transportation, the coconut trees will be delivered to Mariwasa to be transformed into a usable resource, which will power Mariwasa’s plants while helping sustain Lawaan’s environment.

“The partnership will be a big help for Lawaan since there are so many aspects that we need to focus on and rehabilitate. This project will help clear the debris and maintain the natural balance of the environment in the area,” said Garbornes.

In addition to helping the municipality’s environment, SCG-Mariwasa takes a step further by sharing its commitment in education and youth development in Lawaan. The company will be giving construction materials to rebuild schools and day care centers.

“SCG has always been committed in not just protecting the environment but in the development of the youth. We believe that giving building and construction materials for the rehabilitation of the schools and day-care centers is among the most important things to do for now because we believe that our children’s education should not be compromised but be lifted especially in these hard times,” said Phaskorn Buranawit, president of Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc.

This project aims to not just rebuild schools that were devastated by typhoon Yolanda but to help improve the facilities and make them disaster-resilient. Some facilities include classrooms, skills training centers, bathrooms, and covered gyms.