As the country faces rising energy prices fueled by international conflicts, the National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coconut is advocating for a strategic, long-term solution to improve fuel mileage.
During its first-quarter meeting on March 11, 2026, the Committee passed a manifesto supporting the full implementation of the Biofuels Act and an immediate transition to a 5% coco-biodiesel blend (B5).
Although not a 鈥渜uick fix鈥� for the high gas prices the country is currently facing, the full implementation of biofuel and B5 transition offers superior engine performance, better mileage, and a more self-reliant energy sector that reduces long-term costs.
Signed in 2007 by President Gloria Arroyo, the Biofuels Act (Republic Act 9367) initially mandated a 1% biodiesel blend (B1) within three months, and 2% (B2) within two years. While the government has sought to reach B5 in 2025 over the years, the National Biofuels Board (NBB) recommended suspending the shift to B4 and B5 in 2025 after international coconut oil prices surged by over 300% per metric ton.
Currently, the blend remains at B3 following the Department of Energy Advisory No. 2025-07-01, which suspended the scheduled increases to protect the economy from the potential spikes in biodiesel pump prices.
鈥溾�婽he shift is no longer just an environmental goal but a national necessity. It is time to move to B5,鈥� said Victor Gerardo Bulatao, Kaisahan representative to NSC on Coconut.
The manifesto will be endorsed to Senator Francis Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform. The Committee agreed that increasing the coconut oil component in local diesel will reduce the country鈥檚 dependence on imported fuel while providing a stable market for millions of Filipino coconut farmers.
Q1 policy resolutions and industry updates
Aside from the manifesto of support, the NSC on Coconut approved two other policy resolutions to establish the coconut sector as a cornerstone of the Philippine industrial economy:
- A recommendation for the Office of the President to officially designate the Coconut as the National Industrial Crop to optimize the government support for food, feed, and energy security.
- A call for the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), enhancement to allocate specific budgets for science-based R&D activities promoting coconut-based innovations.
The PCA also presented a draft issuance, 鈥淧rioritizing the Use of Coconut-Based Products in All Government Functions, Projects, and Activities鈥�. This policy aims to institutionalize domestic demand, ensuring that the government leads by example in driving industry growth and sustainability. | Jezebel Campaniel
