MANILA, Philippines - Chemrez Technologies Inc., the country's largest biodiesel manufacturer, has teamed up with Ayala-owned Manila Water Co. as well as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to expand its "green advocacy."

The firm will sign a memorandum of agreement with Manila Water to help the water distributor plant more trees in the watershed of Ipo Dam in Bulacan over the next 5 years.

Manila Water has tapped Bantay Kalikasan, headed by Gina Lopez, to manage their reforestation program, similar to what was forged for the successful tree-planting project at the La Mesa Dam.

A whole-day tree planting activity was scheduled on Thursday, September 9, at the Ipo Dam watershed where volunteers would plant bamboo.

Bamboo is proven to prevent soil erosion better than other plants because of its roots’ ability to hold soil together solidly. The bamboo trees are expected to prevent siltation of the Ipo Dam, avoiding unnecessary additional cost to clean and purify water supply for human consumption.

Dumagats who live in the area around Ipo Dam will also gain a source of livelihood as they may regularly harvest the bamboo trees to make them into building materials, handicrafts, charcoal, and other products that they can sell.

Meanwhile, Chemrez and the DOST recently announced the search for honorees of the 2010 Chemrez Green Chemistry Awards who will be chosen from the finalists in the 2010 National Invention Contests and Exhibits to be held on November 25 to 27 at the SM Cebu Trade Hall in Cebu City.