What is Bagasse?
Results of the Survey on Bagasse
As of 14 July 2021, 60 of the 71 respondents have not heard of bagasse before and 11 of the respondents have heard of bagasse before.
This is bagasse!
1
Bagasse is the dry and pulpy residue left behind after the sugarcane stalks have been crushed.
2
Bagasse has antibacterial properties that can deactivate bacteria.
3
Bagasse also contains natural components that can inhibit food-borne pathogen growth. One such natural component is phenol, which is one of the oldest antiseptic agents.
How is Bagasse produced?
Why should bagasse be used?
Since bagasse has antibacterial properties, it will be able to deactivate and restrict any food-borne pathogens, bacteria and parasites found in human faeces. This prevents the spread of diseases amongst humans. Using bagasse will also prevent the spread of diseases amongst marine life if the deactivated faeces are thrown back into the oceans or rivers. Using bagasse to deactivate bacteria will also allow faeces to be recycled and used as fertiliser.
As the Philippines is known for its sugar production and it is the top 12th sugar-producing country, there will be an abundance of bagasse due to the sugar production. This ensures that external resources besides those required for the transport of bagasse to the village are not needed as the sugar production companies would be able to contribute bagasse.