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Since the implementation of RA 9367 otherwise known as “Biofuels Act of 2006” the government has implemented various programs which
aim to reduce dependence to imported fuel while developing indigenous renewable and sustainably sourced energy is taking its momentum.
According to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), the projected local ethanol production Capacity of the Philippines in 2016 is 431.2
million liters. However, from the 376.99 million liters total ethanol supply requirement for the same year, the actual production is 230.18ML
which is only 61 percent of the total demand. To meet the 377ML bioethanol demand of the country from 2016-2020, the country needs 35,000
hectares nipa plantation.

This urged the collaboration of agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), MMSU-National Bioethanol
Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC), and other cooperating State Colleges and Universities to help the government implement priority
projects to pursue sustainable development for poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate mitigation and adaptation.

Since Cagayan is identified to have large nipa plantation areas, Cagayan State University was inspired to collaborate and implement the program
“Establishment, Restoration, Maintenance and Protection of Nipa Stands for Bioethanol Production and Climate Change Mitigation”. With the
8 million project fund given by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, CSU Gonzaga established new nipa plantations and
restored existing nipa plantation in support to bioethanol production and climate change mitigation.

Nipa Fruit

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