DOE rules out food vs fuel issue in biofuels

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has ruled out the food-against-fuel issue in the production of biofuels as the government identifies areas which could be used to produce biofuel products, a DOE official said.

Energy Undersecretary Jay Layug said “there is no conflict between food and energy because we have a joint administrative order that addresses that very issue.”

The use of bioethanol is mandated under the Biofuels Act of 2006 which aims at reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuels.

According to Layug, the DOE and the Department of Agriculture have also made clear distinction on what products could be used for biofuels.

“As an example, cereals that can be used for both food and for bioethanol production but not limited to corn and wheat shall not be used for biofuels. So there are some agricultural products that we don’t allow, it is set out in the law,” he said.

He also pointed out that before anyone can apply with the DOE for registration, the applicant should secure a certification from the DA.

“We always require a certification from the Department of Agriculture saying that they have available feedstock and also registration with SRA (Sugar Regulatory Administration) and Philippine Coconut Authority,” he said.

The DOE official said the PCA and the SRA have identified available areas for bioethanol and biodiesel production so it avoids the conflict.

“So we have managed that and so far it has not been an issue,” he said.

With this, the DOE encouraged investors to consider biofuels manufacturing.

“We are encouraging a lot of foreign investors to come and put up bioethanol production plants in the Philippines,” he said.