From AFC’s birth in June 2006, chairman Rene Velasco focused on inedible but oil-laden jatropha — and only in idle lands or denuded hills. “We do not compete for land use with producers of rice, corn, fruits, veggies and livestock,” he beams. “Food and fuel security can go hand in hand.” Jatropha, locally called tuba-tuba nut found on hillsides or river banks, is used only as purgative.
Mula nang itatag ang state firm nu’ng Hunyo 2006, pinagtuonan na ni chairman Rene Velasco ang jatropha nut bilang sanhi ng alternative diesel. Siksik ito sa langis, pero hindi nakakain.