Engr. Belonio’s Rice Husk Stove invention earned him the Rolex Awards for Enterprise. Chosen from nearly 1,500 applicants in 127 countries around the world, Engr. Alexis Belonio, an associate professor of agricultural engineering at the Central Philippine University in Iloilo City, is the first Filipino, and Ilonggo, to earn this prestigious award.

Founded in 1976, the Rolex Award aims ”to foster a spirit of individual enterprise around the world”, by recognising “pioneering projects that demonstrate innovative thought and contribute to the betterment of humankind”.

Engr. Belonio’s latest stove invention turns rice husk, generally considered as waste, into purified gas, which makes a much hotter and cleaner blue flame, and much cheaper energy for cooking. It wouldn’t be difficult for experts  to recognise the potential benefits of Engr. Belonio’s invention. But for the common Juan de la Cruz, check this out: Engr. Belonio in his study said that a ton of rice husk is equivalent to 23 tanks of 11 kg. LPG or 510 kg of charcoal. If an average family uses 10-12 tanks of LPG a year, this simply translate to more than 10 thousand pesos of yearly savings. Now, let’s say, and if I still  remember my math, that roughly around 45 kg. (say 2 sacks) of rice husk is equal to 1 LPG tank or 23 kg. (say 1 1/2 sack) of charcoal or 38 kg. (say 4-5 big bunch) of Guimaras firewood . The rice mills may end up selling their husk rather than burning them. And trees from the mountains and even in your backyard may not  end up as fire wood or charcoal.

Engr. Belonio further stated that the Philippines is producing almost 2 million metric tons of rice husk yearly. If we could convert just 25%, take note, just 1/4, into energy, that is equivalent to around 189 million liters of kerosene, 211,000 tons of firewood or 127,000 tons of charcoal yearly. That simply can make a huge economic and environmental impact in the Philippines and in all rice (and rice husk) producing countries.

Engr. Alexis Belonio said, “It is a God-given technology. I wish to share it with people all around the world.” To further his purpose of helping everyone through his invensions, he is using the prize he won to introduce the device to other parts of the world, including Vietnam and Nepal, and set up a demonstration and training center at Central Philippine University in Iloilo, Philippines where visitors can receive a free copy of the fabrication manual. He even allowed everyone to access his Rice Husk Gas Stove Handbook through the Internet for free.  

To check the free handbook: http://bioenergylists.org/stovesdoc/Belonio/Belonio_gasifier.pdf

(Article sources: rolexawards.com,  inquirer.net)

(Photo sources: Yahoo photos)

Going through hundreds of video clips in You Tube, I found some very, very interesting clips. A more than one hour series of eight documentary videos.

“The critically-acclaimed documentary, made possible by the Foundation for Worldwide People Power (FWWPP), is here at Ninoy Aquino TV (NATv)! An in-depth look at the people, places and events that transpired on that fateful day of August, which changed the political landscape of the country, and its destiny, forever!!! “–Ninoy Aquino TV

Since embedment is not allowed, please watch it in You Tube.

Please click  below

(Source: NinoyAquinoTV)

August 2003. We were preparing to celebrate our St. Augustine’s Day, patron saint of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo. I remember, I was busy in school co-curricular activities. That time, I think there were very few people talking about the coming home of “Ninoy” Aquino, whom I never knew and I have no idea what’s the big deal about his return.

It was a ordinary August night until around 7pm, just a few blocks from our home in Divinagracia street, hundreds of makeshift homes and several businesses destroyed by a big fire along the old railroad tracks just behind La Paz public market in just few hours. I remember the La Paz Fire Station is the nearest station in the area, their only fire truck was late to response and when on the fire scene was never able to help because of the many reasons: no gasoline? no water pressure? you guess. Whatever might be their reason, for me that big piece of rusting metal, painted red, should had been in the junk shop years ago!

I remember also the biggest fire truck of the Iloilo Citizens Action Group (ICAG), a very active volunteer fire group in Iloilo City, was damaged when it crossed the railroad tracks in the wrong spot. Despite of the crippled truck, they were successful in controlling the spread of fire in east side of the area. These guys, for me were the real fire fighters, heroes of the day!

And that very night after our dinner, we have power outage because of the fire. My big brother, a college senior, explained to me the best way he could, the significance of Ninoy’s home coming. I still didn’t get it!

The next day (or days later), late in the afternoon, I heard in the radio “they killed him, they shot him, they killed Ninoy”. I didn’t remember who said that nor on what radio station, but I realized later, maybe months later, after the Agrava Commission, after Cory’s nomination, after the May 1984 Election, after the Comelec employees walkout, after the civil disobedience rallies, after all the prayer vigils, etc….and especially after EDSA, that it was the turning point in the Philippine’s political history. And I realized too that you don’t need to be in a fire fighters’ suit to become a hero!

And for those who believe…the story of stuggle and heroism never ends…

Farewell to Madam Corazon Aquino. May you rest in peace….

Ako’y nagpapasalamat sa Panginoong Diyos na ginawa niya akong isang Pilipino”– Cory Aquino, September 2008

website dedicated to Corazon Aquino: http://www.coryaquino.ph/index.htm

(photo sources: reuters, yahoo news, usmilitarypi.com )

A mass was offered by the Illongos for former President Corazon Aquino this day at Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds. The death of Corazon Aquino not only brings pain in the hearts of Filipinos but also tells all the Filipinos to join hands and still fight for the democracy that she has fought for the Filipino people.

City Mayor Jerry Treñas joins the entire Filipino in mourning the death of former President Corazon Aquino. “Ninoy and Cory gave the Filipino models of courageous leadership based upon self-sacrifice and commitment to democracy,” Treñas said.

The former president became politically active after her husband Benigno (Ninoy) was assassinated on the tarmac of the Manila airport, now Ninoy Aquino International Airport, in 1983. Ninoy was gunned down while returning from exile to challenge the country’s longtime leader deposed President Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos stayed in power for almost 20 years.

Mrs. Aquino was considered as a “democratic icon” after she toppled the late dictator. Her presidency was punctuated by seven coup attempts most staged by the same clique of officers who had risen up against Marcos.

Treñas sent a letter of condolence to Mrs. Aquino’s son Senator Noynoy Aquino.

“We will all be eternally indebted to President Cory for the restoration of democracy in our country and the exercise of our freedom that we now all enjoy,” said Treñas.

Treñas first assumed as OIC councilor during the term of President Aquino when most of the government appointments are only considered as officer-in-charge before he became the mayor of the city.

Mrs. Aquino, 76, died at the Makati Medical Center on Saturday following a battle with colon cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease last year and underwent operation and chemotherapy sessions. Her cancer was already in the fourth stage when discovered. She was given three months to live but was stayed until she had a cardio respiratory attack. Novena masses were offered to the former president when her health condition was made public.

The death of Corazon Aquino, yellow ribbons were tied in buildings to show support and concern to the former president. Her body now lies in state at the Manila Cathedral until her funeral on tomorrow where she will be buried beside her late husband at the Manila Memorial Park.

( Source: The News Today )