This breakthrough signals a major stride toward greener, more resilient farming systems across the country, agritech company Straw Innovations Inc. said in a press statement.
The Hub was inaugurated on Oct. 7, 2025 by leaders from the national and local governments, international partners, and farming communities.
Converting waste into wealth
Developed by Straw Innovations Inc. with partners Aston University, SEARCA, Koolmill Systems, Takachar, and Innovate UK, the Hub showcases technologies that turn rice straw—often burned or discarded—into usable resources. These include biochar for soil enrichment, biogas for clean energy, and livestock bedding that doubles as compost material.
The Hub’s innovations aim to solve longstanding problems in rice farming: open-field burning, methane emissions, high production costs, and low farmer incomes.
Showcasing cutting-edge technologies
During the launch, participants witnessed live demonstrations of pioneering machines, including:
Farmers at the heart of innovation
Beyond technology, the Hub puts farmers at the center of change.
By making equipment affordable and accessible, it enables local operators to offer land preparation and harvesting services at lower costs. Pilot sites have already seen farmers improve their income, renovate homes, and fund their children’s education.
Rice straw is also being repurposed as deep-litter bedding for swine farms, reducing waste management costs and generating compost as an additional income stream. These early successes show how straw management supports social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
Collaboration across sectors
The initiative thrives through strong collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and local governments in Laguna.
“Businesses that treat climate risks as opportunities will define the markets of the future. When UK science meets Philippine innovation, rice straw becomes part of the solution,” said Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor, British Embassy Manila, in the statement.
“Developing rice straw management solutions empowers communities to turn agricultural wastes into livelihood opportunities while reducing emissions,” according to Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, Center Director, SEARCA.
The Hub’s inauguration was attended by Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor of the British Embassy Manila; Fidel L. Libao, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IV-A; and Hon. Karla Adajar-Lajara, chair of the Committee on Agriculture for the Province of Laguna, among others.
Driving climate action and food security
The Bioenergy Hub offers a game-changing model for circular agriculture, cutting methane emissions while producing renewable energy and enhancing soil fertility.This integrated approach supports the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aligning agricultural productivity with climate resilience.
Founded in 2018, Straw Innovations Inc. is a Laguna-based agritech company pioneering the Reverse Refinery™ model that transforms rice straw into valuable products through advanced technologies like the Straw Traktor, Takavator, and Koolmill. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
