MARABUT on CASTOR BEAN PRODUCTION PROJECT

The Basey Wood Inc. applied with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for an Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) which covers the Municipalities of Marabut and Basey.  

The applied area for this project is 12,000 hectares and will be utilized for the commercial production of castor bean Ricinus communis which is an alternative bio-fuel and will be exported to China as raw.

Mayor Ortillo, Jr. reiterated its impact on the municipality toward employment and income. He is hopeful that the project will solve the problem on illegal logging. Initially, a five hectare lot will be utilized as pilot area of the project.  

The Department of Science and Technology - CAPE Program in cooperation with the Leyte State University will assess the proposed plantation in early part of December 2010.