“Do It Now”: Libanan Supports DA’s B5 Biodiesel Move, Pressures DOE to Implement

by Miriam G. Desacada

Tacloban City– House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has backed the Department of Agriculture’s call for the immediate rollout of a 5% coconut biodiesel blend, or B5, saying it gives new hope to millions of Filipinos who rely on the coconut industry. 

_“We welcome the Department of Agriculture’s strong support for the B5 biodiesel blend,”_ Libanan said in a statement.  

_“It affirms what we have long said — that strengthening the coconut industry is not only good agricultural policy, but also good economic, energy, and environmental policy.”_ 

Libanan urged the Department of Energy and the National Biofuels Board to act on the DA’s recommendation without delay and implement the higher blend as provided under the *Biofuels Act of 2007. 

Opposed to Suspension:

The lawmaker recalled that he strongly opposed the suspension of scheduled increases in the biodiesel blend last year. 

In July 2025, the DOE, on the recommendation of the National Biofuels Board, put on hold the implementation of the B4 and B5 mandates, citing possible effects on pump prices and inflation. 

_“We opposed the suspension because it went against the direction of the Biofuels Act and denied millions of coconut farmers the economic opportunities that a higher blend was meant to create,”_ Libanan said.  

_“We still believe the suspension was a disservice to the millions of Filipinos who depend on the coconut industry to survive.”_ 

Why B5 Matters:

Biofuel blending means mixing a percentage of biofuel, like coconut-based biodiesel, with regular diesel. Under the proposed B5 blend, 5% of every liter of diesel sold would come from coconut methyl ester. 

Libanan said expanding the use of coco-biodiesel would: 

-Increase domestic demand for copra and improve farmgate prices 

-Create more jobs across the coconut value chain 

– Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels

– Promote cleaner energy

_“Behind every increase in copra demand are families trying to put food on the table, send kids to school, and build a better future,”_ he said.  

_“Many coconut farmers still live below the poverty line. They deserve policies that open opportunities — not policies that hold them back.”_ 

_“We cannot talk about inclusive growth while ignoring one of the country’s largest and poorest agricultural sectors. Supporting a higher biodiesel blend means supporting rural livelihoods, strengthening energy security, and getting more value from a renewable resource our own farmers produce,”_ Libanan added. 

Call for Immediate Action:

The Minority Leader called on the DOE and the National Biofuels Board to finish the needed technical and supply assessments and implement the higher blend as soon as possible. 

_“We have an opportunity to fulfill both the spirit and goals of the Biofuels Act while uplifting millions of Filipino families who depend on coconut. We should take it,”_ The law maker added. 

By the Numbers:

According to the Philippine Coconut Authority:

– 3.5 million registered coconut farmers till about 3.6 million hectares* of coconut land nationwide 

– Around 25 million Filipinos  earn income from the coconut industry 

– More than 60% of coconut farmers and workers live below the poverty line.