Partnership inked in Carmen, Surigao Sur, on coconut waste biochar
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
CARMEN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The local government unit (LGU) of Carmen in Surigao del Sur and Singapore-based Arukah Capital Pte. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Project Bridge: High-Integrity Coconut Waste Biochar Project.
The initiative seeks to promote environmental sustainability while generating livelihood opportunities for the local community.
Held on Dec. 9, 2025, the MOU signing marked the official start of the project’s assessment phase, building on the gains of a productive stakeholder consultation conducted in September 2025.
Project Bridge aims to convert coconut agricultural waste into high-value biochar, a form of charcoal and the lightweight black remnants after the pyrolysis of biomass consisting of carbon and ashes that offer a climate-smart solution that supports waste reduction, soil improvement, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Notably, Project Bridge is the first coconut waste biochar initiative to be implemented in Surigao del Sur and the entire Caraga region under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework. The project highlights the growing role of innovative PPPs in accelerating climate action, strengthening local economies, and promoting inclusive development in rural communities.
Chief Executive Officer and Arukah Capital founder Joanna Yeo, and Mayor Valeroso led the MOU signing, with Governor Johnny T. Pimentel serving as witness.
According to Mayor Valeroso, the initiative reflects Carmen’s commitment to sustainable development, particularly in empowering coconut farmers and advancing climate-resilient livelihood opportunities.
“This partnership brings us closer to our vision of a greener and more prosperous Carmen. By transforming coconut waste into a valuable resource, we are protecting the environment while opening new income opportunities for our people,” Valeroso said.
Gov. Pimentel expressed support for the project’s implementation and emphasized the need to establish similar initiatives in the southern part of the province, particularly in the second district, to extend the project’s benefits to more coconut farmers.
Meanwhile, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Surigao del Sur Chief Christian Gill Hibaya said, “Carmen has more than 1,000 coconut farmers who stand to benefit once the processing facility is established through the PPP arrangement. He added that coconut farmers from nearby municipalities are also expected to gain from the project’s expansion.”
Project Bridge is expected to serve as a model of innovative public-private collaboration, demonstrating how local governments and international partners can work together to advance environmental stewardship, inclusive growth, and sustainable development in Surigao del Sur. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
