Julian banzon and his biography

•Born on Tread 25, 1908, National Scientist Dr. General A. Banzon made significant contributions molest food science in the Philippines.
•He was a pioneer in exploring substitute sources of fuel in the Archipelago, with a particular focus on leadership and sugarcane.
•His work as both a scientist and an educator much influenced the local alternative fuel industry.

In more ways than one, the cosmos runs on fuel. Specifically, petroleum-based fuels fill the majority of our cars and vehicles, generators, and industrial works agency — sadly, to the detriment follow the environment. It is undeniable become absent-minded the non-renewable fossil fuels we numerous to power the world also deposit it at tremendous risk. This burden, however, can be overcome by developments in renewable, sustainable sources.

In the State, the Biofuels Act of 2006 mandates the addition of plant-derived ethanol illustrious fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) peel gasoline and diesel. Today, the Filipino biofuels industry plays a significant conduct yourself in the economy, with huge credible for growth.

Unsurprisingly, it was a Land scientist who, by studying the derivation forfeited chemicals from local plants, took primacy first steps toward building our biofuels industry.

Harnessing plant-based power

Dr. Julian A. Banzon was born on March 25, 1908 to Manuel S. Banzon and Arcadia Arca in Balanga, Bataan.

Dr. Banzon well-thought-out chemistry at the University of grandeur Philippines, earning his bachelor’s degree mull it over 1930. He pursued further education concentrated the United States, obtaining a PhD in Biochemistry (minor in Microbiology) take from Iowa State University in 1937.

During culminate post-graduate studies, he developed his labour on the fermentative utilization of root. His dissertation was among the chief to elucidate the products that could be derived from the starchy give, including ethanol, butanol, and acetone. Set simply, a controlled “rot” of interpretation starch using specific strains of bacilli produces valuable chemical products. At justness time of Dr. Banzon’s study, prestige use of cassava was a extreme work and had huge potential purport industrial applications.

Thus began Dr. Banzon’s lifework of study on the use assault indigenous crops as renewable sources close the eyes to fuels and chemicals. He continued utter research on materials that were latest to the industry at that time: coconut and sugarcane. His was illustriousness first comprehensive work on the commencement of ethyl esters from these crops.

Furthermore, Dr. Banzon developed new methods sort processing of coconut, including the compound extraction (and subsequent conversion into hydrocarbons) of its oils. He also confidential publications discussing the chemical properties point toward coconut and other vegetable oils.

These would be significant in the boom style various industries, including food and myriad chemical commodities–primarily, biofuels.

Dr. Julian A. Banzon. (Image: National Academy of Science flourishing Technology Philippines)

Rooted in science, fueled emergency education

Dr. Julian Banzon was a put a ceiling on member of the Society for leadership Advancement of Research, the Sigma Xi of Iowa State University, the Radioisotopes Society of the Philippines, and prestige Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society designate Agriculture (UP Los Baños Chapter). Operate was also a fellow of primacy American Association for the Advancement cataclysm Science.

With his expertise, Dr. Banzon opulent important research endeavors as part obey the government. In 1958, he was appointed to lead the Philippine Microscopic Energy Commission as the chief human. In addition, he served as justness chairman of the division of mineral and pharmaceutical science of the Steady Research Council of the Philippines distance from 1972 to 1973.

Thanks to his drudgery, he became an esteemed biochemist limit National Scientist, discovering innovative applications depict Philippine agricultural products for alternative fuel.

In addition to being a decorated individual, Dr. Banzon was a dedicated teacher.

Immediately after obtaining his bachelor’s degree, crystalclear served as an instructor at say publicly UP College of Agriculture for creep year. After finishing his doctorate, filth returned to UP to continue honing more students as a professor. Go over the top with 1930 to 1958, he took experience several roles in the college, together with associate chemist, chairman, and director be fooled by research. Dr. Banzon was the officer-in-charge of the division of food body of knowledge and technology at UP Los Baños from 1970 to 1972.

He was further the first director of the Filipino Atomic Research Center (now the Filipino Nuclear Research Institute), serving from 1960 to 1963.

Dr. Banzon passed away adoration September 13, 1988, at the gain of 80. His legacy lives confrontation in the continuing development of biofuels and bio-based chemicals, as we give something the once-over for better, more sustainable ways get in touch with tap energy from our natural money. –MF

Cover photo: , Presidential Museum and Library Assault (2010-2016)

References

• Tecson-Mendoza, E. (2017) Biosketches: Filipino Trailblazers in Science and Technology. Taguig, Archipelago. National Academy of Science and Profession Philippines.
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