MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has endorsed a private sector-supported policy resolution seeking the immediate transition to a 5 percent coco-biodiesel blend (B5), forwarding the proposal to the Senate and the Department of Energy (DOE).

The Department of Agriculture’s endorsement covers Resolution No. 03, Series of 2026, which was approved by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries–National Sectoral Committee (NSC) on Coconut, chaired by Charles Avila.

Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Dexter Buted also expressed the agency’s full support for the measure, calling it a significant boost to the coconut industry, which supports millions of Filipino livelihoods.

Tiu Laurel submitted the manifesto to Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, as well as to Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, who also heads the National Biofuels Board (NBB).

The proposed shift is anchored on Republic Act No. 9367 or the Biofuels Act of 2006, which mandates the blending of Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) in petroleum products to strengthen the coconut industry, enhance energy security, and support environmental sustainability.

According to the resolution, a previous 300 percent surge in global coconut oil prices led the National Biofuels Board to temporarily suspend the transition. However, current market conditions are now considered favorable for its resumption.

CME is described as biodegradable and non-toxic, with lower sulfur and greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel fuel.

Industry experts said the B5 blend is intended as a long-term policy intervention rather than a short-term solution to fuel prices, but is seen as important amid expectations that domestic fuel prices will stabilize over the next six to twelve months due to global supply chain pressures.

The expansion of B5 is also projected to support income stability for an estimated 2.5 to 3.5 million coconut farmers, while helping stabilize agricultural prices.

“The Department of Agriculture strongly supports the transition to a 5 percent biodiesel blend. This is more than a step toward meeting international standards. It is a meaningful investment in the future of millions of Filipino farmers, workers, and families who rely on the coconut industry for their livelihood,” Tiu Laurel said.

He added that higher demand for CME could generate jobs, maximize production capacity, and increase value for the coconut sector.

“At the same time, this shift strengthens the country’s energy security and self-reliance by reducing dependence on imported fuels and making better use of a homegrown renewable resource,” the DA chief added.