BioBriQs, “LET’S BriQ THE CONVENTIONAL COAL GRILLING.”

By Justine Miralles

Three faculties from the University of Mindanao who are part of the UM Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions (CGNIES) Team: Engr. Jay Carlo S. Aguilar, Engr. Roumel Salvador Alvarez, and Engr. James

Mark M. Gallawan won the in-person Open Pitching Activity for the faculty category, namely: BioBriQs, “Let’s BriQ the conventional coal grilling.”

The said concept was headed by Engr. Jay Carlo Aguilar, and derives from an ongoing research-funded project: “Production of Bio-Briquettes from Nanosized Durio zibethinus (Durian) Peels and Seed Starch Adhesive.”, which was done by putting the durian peels utilized in producing nano-sized carbonized durian peeling through pyrolisis, and the durian anticipation of the university playing a vital role in fostering green technologies in Mindanao and aid people in taking care of the environment through technological advancements. like CGNIES across the nation.

In the previous years, the University of Mindanao has participated in various movements in making the world a better place through environmental actions and studies.

Moreover, the facility’s director, Dr. Chosel Lawagon, expressed this aim in an interview: “I hope the Center of Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions (CGNIES) can become an example of transforming research into relevant, innovative projects helping the community.”

Dr. Anthony Sales, Regional Director for DOST XI, stated that the Agency is devoted to collaborating closely with UM to guarantee the accomplishment of key objectives. He also added their seeds that were extracted to produce a nanostarch as a sustainable binding agent that will generate a bio-briquette with high calorific value and low GHG emissions to the environment. Meanwhile, for the food industry, Engr. James Mark M. Gallawan narrowed down the potential market of bio-briquettes under food preparation (i.e. grilling and heating), followed by Engr. Roumel Salvador Alvarez con - ceptualized a Taylor Swift-themed opening spiel for the pitching activity. The participants are grateful for the wonderful experiences facilitated by UMasenso HUB in partnership with New Energy Nexus - Philippines, as this two-day workshop enabled them to get insightful ideas from entrepreneurship, innovation, and connecting science to the market.

Last year, Dr. Chosel Lawagon of the University of Mindanao received the renowned Green Talents Award from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany for her work in using nanotechnology to upcycle garbage. With the help of the Institute of Biodiversity and Environment of the University of Mindanao’s Research and Publication Center, Tagum City achieved the distinction of recording the most number of indigenous plants and animals in the nation during the City Nature Challenge 2022. They were able to advance thanks to their performance in the CNC2022, which placed them 36th globally and third in Asia for nature observations. With consistent efforts in any kind of waste management, it is not impossible to achieve a sustainable environment ideal for living.