DA backs transition to 5% biodiesel blend

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it endorsed a policy resolution passed by the National Sectoral Committee of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries calling for an immediate transition to a 5% coco-biodiesel blend.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said on Monday that he forwarded the proposal to Senator Francis N. Pangilinan and Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, who chair the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, and the National Biofuels Board respectively.

The shift towards higher coconut content in biofuel was required by the Biofuels Act of 2006, which  aimed to promote the blending of coconut methyl ester into petroleum products. However, it was temporarily paused after coconut oil prices worldwide increased by 300%.

The 5% coco-biodiesel blend has been touted as a step in lowering domestic oil prices, which are expected to take six to 12 months to stabilize following the apparent end of the fighting in the Middle East.

Mr. Laurel said a higher proportion of coconut in the blend will reduce dependence on imported fuel and mobilize homegrown renewable resources, strengthening energy security and self-reliance, while also generating jobs and revenue for the coconut industry.

Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Dexter R. Buted supported the resolution, noting its potential for boosting the coconut industry. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza