To further promote the use of alternative fuel in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) is considering an increase in the biodiesel blend to 3 percent (B3) at the end of the year from the current 2 percent.

The move, DOE said, will also allow the country to catch up with its neigbors in terms of their use of biofuels.

In Thailand, for instance, PTT Public Co. Ltd. has been selling a 5-percent blend of biodiesel (B5) in its pump stations. The state-run oil firm is said to be considering an increase of the said blend to 10 percent and 20 percent in the near future.

Still, Energy Director Mario Marasigan expressed optimism that the country will be able to surpass Thailand's efforts with DOE's recent promulgation of Republic Act 9637 or the Biofuels Act of 2006, which will facilitate entry of more investors into the Philippines' biofuels industry.

The order, Marasigan said, will "promote development of the biofuel industry in the country and encourage private sector participation and to institute mechanisms; which will fast track investments in the biofuel industry."

"The joint administrative order published provides clearer and faster accreditation process for biofuel producers, distributors and oil companies," Marasigan said.

All concerned government agencies are tasked to work together in promoting the development of biofuels in the country. These agencies include the Department of  Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Finance, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Other agencies include the Department of Transportation and Communications, National Biofuels Board, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Philippine Coconut Authority, and Sugar Regulatory Administration.