Chemrez ties up with MWC

MANILA, Philippines - Chemrez Technologies Inc., the country’s largest biodiesel manufacturer, expands its green advocacy by teaming up with Manila Water Co. and continue a program encouraging environment-friendly inventions with the Department of Science and Technology.

The biotechnology firm will sign a memorandum of agreement with Manila Water in which Chemrez commits, for the next five years, to support the water utility in its goal to plant more trees in the watershed of Ipo Dam in Bulacan.

Manila Water has tapped Bantay Kalikasan to manage their reforestation program, similar to what was forged for the successful tree-planting project at the La Mesa Dam.

A whole-day tree planting activity is scheduled on Sept. 9 at the Ipo Dam watershed where volunteers will plant bamboo which is proven to prevent soil erosion better than other plants because of its roots’ intricate network and ability to hold soil together solidly.

The bamboo trees are expected to prevent siltation of the Ipo Dam, avoiding unnecessary additional cost to clean and purify water supply for human consumption. This unwanted expense, if incurred, ultimately means higher price of water to consumers.

A single bamboo tree absorbs a ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime, therefore, helping clean the atmosphere and mitigate global warming and climate change.

Dumagats who live in the area around Ipo Dam will also gain a source of livelihood as they may regularly harvest the bamboo trees to make them into building materials, handicraft, charcoal and other products that they can sell. Bamboo is a grass species and can regenerate itself rapidly.