MORE INCENTIVES FOR BIOFUEL R&D SAYS ANGARA

MANILA, October 5, 2012-During the recent Department of Energy (DOE) budget hearing, Senator Edgardo J. Angara renewed his call for more support for research and development (R&D) on  alternative fuels, eyeing it as a new economic venture for the country. 

Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, spoke in response to the DOE saying that they affiliate their biofuel programs with state universities and colleges (SUCs) depending on the resources within their region.

"We have to provide incentives, monetary if necessary to existing SUCs especially when we are facing problems with sources of biofuel in the country.  These SUCs can provide us with R&D and a more focused approach in solving problems," said Angara. 

He explained that one of the many problems is the perennial battle between food and non-food biofuel producers. 

The veteran lawmaker continued,"If the government will support us in our efforts, we can convince producers to dedicate more of their energy in producing biofuel thus increasing the country's biofuel supply by 5 percent like the DOE suggested."  

Noting that biodiesel and biofuels are priced at a premium level compared to fossil fuels like gasoline, Angara explained that the country can consider exporting to markets in Brazil, India, China and Canada if excess supply is generated.  

DOE Sec. Jose Rene Almendras admitted that the awarding of incentives for R&D stopped a few years ago. 

Angara concluded, "There is a need for government to intensify efforts especially on R& D on biofuel. This is crucial since we need to encourage producers with incentives to address high initial cost of producing and inventing devices for production of biofuel. "

Angara, who is also Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), authored the Biofuels Act of 2006 (RA 9367) and the Renewable Energy Law (RA 9513). (Rikka Sotto w/ Anna Amores)