Palawan governor allocates 30,000 has. for jathropa plantation

By Cheryl A. Galili

THE PROVINCIAL government of Palawan has allocated 30,000 hectares of idle lands for the establishment of Jatropha curcas nurseries in different municipalities.

On March 27, Governor Joel T. Reyes signed in Malatgao, Narra a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) for a partnership in identifying the proposed Jatropha nursery sites.

“The provincial government is offering 30,000 hectares of land available for jatropha planting. The PNOC’s responsibility is to provide the technology and the materials for that,” Reyes said.

Jatropha curcas, locally known as makasla or tuba-tuba, is a drought-resistant perennial plant, growing well in marginal/poor soil. It is easy to establish, grows relatively quick and lives producing seeds with an oil content of 37%. The oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined. It burns with clear smoke-free flame, tested successfully as fuel or simple diesel without being processed.

Reyes said that Jatropha planting in the province has already started and the plantation is owned by businessman Caesar R. Ventura. The site is situated in Barangay San Isidro, Narra.

The governor said that as per information, Jatropha thrives well. He added further that Palawan is an ideal province because it has idle lands that are perfect for Jatropha, and also for rubber trees and palms.

Compared to other provinces, Palawan’s advantage is the quality of its soil which is also fit for traditional planting of rice, corn and other agricultural crops.

Reyes also explained that a road map will be created to identify arable areas needed for Jatropha planting. However, not all will be converted solely for it but also for rubber trees and palms.”Our task is to create a road map in the province of Palawan for Jatropha planting. The Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan may be able to identify arable areas that will only be for traditional planting, like rice, corn, mayroon naman tayong soil segregated in particular for Jathropa, hiwalay din ang palm at rubber tree kasi may kanya-kanyang thrive yon.”

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