Baguio Students Create Biofuel from Wild ‘Gabi’ Plant

Awards, Education, Feedstock, Feedstocks, Field/Orchard/Plantation Crops/Residues, Philippines, Process, R & D Focus, Sustainability, University/College Programs

December 23, 2016

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by Enrico Belga Jr. (Rappler) Dubbed as ‘Bio-Gab,’ the group’s biofuel invention converts wild taro, which is hazardous to humans and animals, into a bioethanol that can fuel cars — … This need also motivated a group of college students from St Louis University in Baguio City to create alternative fuel derived from the taro plant (scientific name: Colocasia esculenta) or locally known as gabi.

The plant grows anywhere, can thrive in almost any type of soil, and is highly resistant to floods and drought.

Dubbed as “Bio-Gab,” the group’s biofuel invention won them the Business and Idea Development Award 2016 given by by the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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According to the group, “Bio-Gab” biofuel was produced by extracting the oil from wild taro and fermenting it for several weeks. They tested their invention and found that it is as effective as other petroleum products commonly used in cars.

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He (Gregory Jones Ochoada) added: “In the long run, our product will create great impact [on] the economy. At present, the country is using rice, coconut, and corn to create bio-ethanol. If we use wild gabi, which is an abundant yet inedible crop, we could maximize the use of the said agricultural products. We would also like to promote corporate social responsibility by providing jobs to the community.” READ MORE

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