By Alexander Villafania
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA - Coconut farmers in the Philippines could generate as much as P2 billion in revenues yearly in the sale of coconut oil for use in coco-diesel production.
The government is looking into increasing production of coconut oil for fuel. During a press conference, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Spokeswoman Thelma Tolentino said the production of coco-diesel could further strengthen the coconut industry in the Philippines.
As demand grows for coco-diesel, so will coconut oil production, which would contribute to the local economy of coconut farming communities.
Coco-diesel is already blended in some regular diesel fuels sold locally as part of compliance with Republic Act 9367 or the Biofuels Act. The current mix is at two percent but plans are underway to increase the mix to about five percent.
Tolentino said pursuing this type of project not only would have economic benefits but also ecological. She pointed out to studies showing that bio-diesel has less negative impact on the environment than fossil fuels.
Likewise, the amount of bio-diesel additive to traditional diesel is commensurate to an increase in engine efficiency.
Several programs are being implemented to look at biofuel sources. Coco-diesel is one of the major programs though there are also programs for sweet sorghum, jatropha, and other types of palm trees.
Among the agencies looking for viable supply of biofuels are the Department of Energy (DoE) and Department of Science and Technology (DoST).
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