Philippines Seeks Cheaper Feedstocks for Bioethanol

The Philippine government is exploring ways to make locally produced bioethanol more competitive with imports by finding cheaper and more diverse feedstocks. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin are discussing options to lower feedstock costs, maximize idle distillery capacity, and expand domestic ethanol production.

The DA and DOE are examining feedstock options such as molasses and sugarcane juice, as well as locally produced corn. However, the agencies noted that domestic feedstock has historically been more expensive than imported supplies, while locally produced bioethanol costs about twice as much as imported ethanol.

Corn can be used to supply only the industry's unused capacity to avoid displacing sugarcane as an existing ethanol feedstock. The DA is also studying ways to expand corn production through improved seeds, mechanization, and contract farming arrangements between farmers and ethanol producers.