MANILA, Philippines – Isinusulong ng Philippine Biodiesel Association (TPBA) ang mas matibay na batas sa biofuel kasabay ng kritikal na tungkulin ng industriya sa pagpapanatili ng energy security ng bansa kasabay ng tensyon sa Middle East.
Sa kalatas, sinabi ng TPBA na ang Republic Act 9367, o kilala bilang Biofuels Act of 2006, ay nananatiling ‘most reliable defense’ ng bansa laban sa vulnerability dahil sa mga imported na langis.
Hinimok ng grupo ang mga mambabatas na palakasin pa ito sa halip na suspendihin o pahinain.
“Given RA 9367’s multiplier benefits – from fortifying the local coconut industry, to increased mileage and proven emissions reduction, we call for the continued implementation of the blending mandate and to maintain local sourcing of biofuels, which supports millions of coconut farmers who form this country’s backbone,” sinabi ni TPBA director Ramon Taniola.
“The Biofuels Act was enacted two decades ago with the foresight to prepare the nation for this very crisis, and we must now, more than ever, protect the progress we have made towards cleaner air, climate readiness and import independence,” dagdag pa niya.
Sinabi ng grupo na sa kasalukuyan ay may kabuuang 14 biodiesel facilities na gumagamit ng 100% locally-sourced coconut oil para lumikha ng coconut methyl ester, na mas malinis, environmentally friendly, locally sourced biofuel na alternatibo ng bansa sa fossil fuel-based diesel.
”By creating a consistent local market for Philippine-made coconut oil, the Biofuels Act has also provided coconut farmers and the entire copra-coconut oil value chain a domestic alternative to the volatile export market,” ayon sa TPBA.
”Its continued implementation ensures the country not only directly supports Filipino agricultural communities but also helps shift the country’s position towards reducing import dependence,” dagdag pa.
Ang TPBA ay nangungunang organisasyon sa pagrepresenta sa biodiesel producers ng bansa. RNT/JGC
