Manila Archdiocese urges parishes to collect used cooking oil to make biodiesel

The Archdiocese of Manila has urged the parishes under its jurisdiction to organize a systematic collection of used cooking oil for biodiesel processing amid the fuel crisis in the country due to the Middle East conflict.

In a circular dated April 21, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said this initiative would convert used cooking oil into biodiesel, a renewable and cleaner fuel, which not only reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions but also supports local and sustainable energy alternatives.

“All parishes and institutions are encouraged to participate in the program, which seeks to organize the systematic collection of used cooking oil from households, food establishments, and parishes and various church institutions,” Advincula said.

“The collected oil will undergo proper processing, including collection, pre-treatment, transesterification, and purification by the Ministry of Integrated Ecology to be converted into usable biodiesel,” he added.

1. Each parish is requested to designate a collection point for used cooking oil.
2. Parishioners are encouraged to store used cooking oil in clean sealed containers, free from food waste and water.
3. Regular pick-up and processing of collected oil will be arranged.
4. Processed oil ready to use will be made available to those who submitted their used cooking oil. A donation per liter will be asked for the ministry’s cost of processing and hauling.
5. Basic information campaigns may be conducted to raise awareness on the environmental benefits of this initiative.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) has at least 86 active parishes within its jurisdiction, which specifically covers the City of Manila, Makati, San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Pasay.

“Through this simple act, we live out our Christian responsibility to care for God’s creation. This initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes, in our own way, to easing pressure on energy resources,” Advincula said.

According to the United States Energy Information Administration, biodiesel is a type of biofuel and is produced from biomass materials called feedstocks. Used as transportation fuel, biodiesel is also utilized for heating and electricity generation.
—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News