When Elisha Ramirez, 16 years old, was walking home, she saw that more households were shifting to alternative fuels as LPG prices continued to rise due to the US– Israeli conflict with Iran. When she arrived home, she immediately searched up why many people are starting to adopt new cooking fuels all-of-a-sudden. And then she discovered nipahol and biogas as potential replacements for LPG.
According to scientists from the Department of Science and Technology, these alternative fuels are currently being closely studied for their potential environmental and economic effects. While not yet widely adopted, concerns have been raised about accessibility and the need for proper equipment — particularly in rural communities, where farmers, outdoor workers, children, and elderly residents may benefit from cheaper fuel options. It is the talk of the town. Based on a recent survey conducted by the said esteemed institution, reveals that a large number of places such as agricultural areas, coastal regions, and waste-rich environments get affected with the positive impacts of these alternative fuels.
Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology further announced that the public should be cognizant about these two core points pertaining to nipahol and biogas: what are nipahol and biogas and the positive effects of it.
IN FOCUS: what are nipahol and biogas?
Obviously, there is more to these alternatives that needs to be understood. Based on the information from the Department of Science and Technology, nipahol is an ethanol-based fuel derived from distilled nipa palm sap, containing up to 95% ethanol, making it a cleaner-burning fuel.
Similarly, biogas is a renewable fuel produced through the decomposition of biodegradable waste such as livestock manure and food scraps.
ZOOM IN: What are the positive effects of these alternatives?
In accordance with the information from the Department of Science and Technology, the positive effects of nipahol and biogas are industrial and biotechnological applications, environmental sustainability and protection, scientific and educational value, and climate resilience innovations.
Weighing all these facts, this all boils down to this: understanding the unknown is far better than fearing it.
Moreover, these facts can be deemed as essential knowledge for all Filipinos. As the late Ernie Baron once said “Kung walang knowledge, walang power. (If there’s no knowledge, there’s no power).” Indeed, being cognizant about these two core points pertaining the nipahol and biogas can bring awareness and enlightenment to uncover truth, think over the better option, establish themselves two steps ahead and sail through life.
As a fitting climax to this, let us take what happened to Elisha Ramirez who discovered nipahol and biogas and turned it into a way to spread awareness as a lesson. STAY SAFE. REMAIN AWARE.
Written by Cryle Azufra, Insight PH
Cryle Azufra, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
