The provincial government of Nueva Ecija, in collaboration with Singapore-based Alcom Carbon Markets (Alcom Pte Ltd), has successfully implemented “Project NuevaChar,” a pioneering initiative in the Philippines. This project distinguishes itself as the first in Southeast Asia to generate and monetize carbon credits specifically through biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More production. Utilizing a facility that combines green heat with biochar manufacturing, the initiative converts rice husks—a common agricultural byproduct—into high-quality soil enhancers. Following a rigorous audit and validation by the B2B carbon removal marketplace Puro.earth in 2023, the project was certified for its net carbon dioxide removal. By July 2025, the province officially received its first carbon revenue remittance, marking a significant milestone in subnational climate finance.

The primary challenge addressed by Project NuevaChar is the inefficient management of agricultural waste, specifically rice husks, and the need for scalable climate-smart agricultural practices. In the Philippines, the traditional disposal or decomposition of rice husks often results in greenhouse gas emissions and missed opportunities for soil improvement. Furthermore, local government units (LGUs) frequently lack the structured financial mechanisms necessary to fund environmental initiatives. The province faced the hurdle of bridging the gap between raw agricultural waste management and the complex requirements of international carbon markets, which demand verified, evidence-based data to prove permanent carbon sequestration.

To resolve these issues, the partnership established a dedicated production plant in Palayan City designed to process rice husks into biochar while simultaneously generating renewable heat. The solution integrates a “techno-farm trial” system where 363 metric tons of biochar were distributed across 32 cities and municipalities, covering approximately 181 hectares of rice fields. In addition to physical production, the stakeholders launched a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program on climate-smart applications. This educational component, supported by the Global Green Growth Institute and academic institutions, ensures that farmers and technicians are proficient in soil application and carbon accounting, creating a sustainable operational framework.

The outcomes of Project NuevaChar demonstrate a successful fusion of environmental stewardship and economic development. The verification by Puro.earth has enabled Nueva Ecija to become a global benchmark for subnational climate action, providing a new revenue stream for the local government via the carbon markets. Beyond finance, the project has improved soil quality and crop yields through the application of biochar on over 180 hectares of farmland. The initiative has also expanded its reach to multiple provinces across the Philippines, proving the scalability of the model. By formalizing the link between agricultural waste and climate finance, the partnership has established a replicable template for carbon removal leadership in the region.