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| Charcoal briquettes made of recycled paper, saw dust and rice chaff. |
June 27, 2014 was a special day for the thirteen leaders of the two organizations under Signpost Philippines, Inc. – the San Juan Hugpong PPEA and the North Baluarte Pagla-um Community Association. The two groups together with Ms. Noemi Oranio and Ms Loryjane Barrocamo, Signpost
community development workers who are assigned in their communities went to Brgy. Calajunan in the district of Mandurriao, Iloilo City for an exposure trip.
community development workers who are assigned in their communities went to Brgy. Calajunan in the district of Mandurriao, Iloilo City for an exposure trip.
Brgy. Calajunan has an existing local government funded project for women under the Uswag Calajunan Livelihood Association (UCLA). The members of UCLA produce charcoal briquettes made of recyclable materials such as papers, saw dust, rice chaff, etc. These materials are processed and made into doughnut-shaped briquettes which can be used as fuel when cooking. The same products are also being sold to augment the income of the members of UCLA.
The charcoal briquettes are considered eco-friendly because these are made of materials which have been discarded already. Once used, these do not emit a lot of smoke unlike the ordinary charcoal. Minimal consumption of briquettes is required for cooking as well.
The members of San Juan Hugpong PPEA and the North Baluarte Pagla-um Community Association were given an opportunity to have a hands-on experience in making the charcoal briquettes. Furthermore, they were able to learn a new technology that they can replicate in their own communities. The feedback regarding the visit is very positive and most of those who were able to join it are planning to do the same thing or to become retailers of the products. MMPJ
