{"id":23950,"date":"2026-03-13T18:16:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T10:16:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pcaf.da.gov.ph\/?p=23950"},"modified":"2026-04-08T17:57:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T09:57:30","slug":"nsc-on-coconut-pushes-for-biofuel-expansion-amid-global-fuel-concerns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pcaf.da.gov.ph\/index.php\/2026\/03\/13\/nsc-on-coconut-pushes-for-biofuel-expansion-amid-global-fuel-concerns\/","title":{"rendered":"NSC on Coconut pushes for biofuel expansion amid global fuel concerns"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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).<\/span><\/p>\n

Although not a \u201cquick fix\u201d 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201c\u200bThe shift is no longer just an environmental goal but a national necessity. It is time to move to B5,\u201d said Victor Gerardo Bulatao, Kaisahan representative to NSC on Coconut.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s dependence on imported fuel while providing a stable market for millions of Filipino coconut farmers. <\/span><\/p>\n

Q1 policy resolutions and industry updates<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n