PH seeks common biofuel standards to boost sector

The government is seeking regional cooperation in harmonizing biofuel standards to boost the development and use of this alternative fuel.

This cooperation is expected to allow the Philippines to benefit from best practices in other countries and move toward greater biofuel integration in the transport sector.

At the recently concluded 6th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit, Vice President Jejomar S. Binay noted the significance of increasing the use of biofuel, as it provides “a multitude of benefits to our country.”

Binay added that the passage of the Biofuels Act in 2006 allowed the country to strengthen its coconut industry, with coconut ethyl mester (CME) now an important component of biodiesel.

Hosted by the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Energy, the Manila conference allowed delegates from ASEM member countries to outline key suggestions for action in biofuels development, as well as highlight the call for continuing interaction to foster mutual cooperation.

According to the DOE, the two-day conference and technical seminar was also aimed at enabling ASEM countries to jointly address the barriers and issues that impede greater penetration of biofuels in their respective markets.

Worldwide, biofuel policies and programs are mainly anchored on increasing self-sufficiency in energy, improving the economic activity in the countryside, as well as pursuing a low-carbon future.