Philippines Seeks Cheaper Feedstock for Bioethanol Production

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Energy (DOE) are teaming up to find cheaper feedstock for bioethanol production. Their goal is to make local ethanol more competitive with imported fuel, while also supporting farmers and industries that rely on these crops.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin discussed potential solutions during a meeting, including increasing the country's ethanol blend from 10 percent to 15 percent. To achieve this, they are exploring alternative feedstocks such as molasses, sugarcane juice, and locally produced corn.

The current problem is that domestic feedstock costs more than imported supplies, causing bioethanol prices to be double those of imported ethanol. Locally produced corn has emerged as a promising alternative, but officials note that it must be bought at a price that makes ethanol production commercially viable.