An innovative stove that runs on used cooking oil is helping persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at Mamburao District Jail in Occidental Mindoro reduce dependence on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) while promoting sustainable cooking.
Senior Jail Officer 2 Jayson Paglicawan, who introduced the "Kalan de Used Oil," said the stove offers a free and renewable fuel source.
"As prices of LPG continue to soar in the market, these burners offer several advantages in terms of cost savings, simple installation, portability, environmental sustainability, safety, and convenience," he said.
The stove can cook meals efficiently, requiring only six to eight minutes to fry food or boil water, and 20 to 30 minutes to prepare vegetable dishes or cook a kilogram of rice.
The initial prototype costs around P2,000, but since it can be made with locally available materials, its production cost can be reduced, making it more affordable for jails and communities.
A scientific study on the stove, also known as "Protos," found that its carbon dioxide emissions are over 10 times lower than LPG and kerosene, and nearly 70 times lower than wood and charcoal.
It can run on used vegetable oil from restaurants and various plant oils, such as coconut and jatropha.
(with reports from JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)