In a move to propel the Philippine coconut industry and the country's renewable energy sector, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and Japan-based Manryu Co., Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to explore the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using coconut oil as the primary feedstock. The signing signifies a leap towards establishing the country as a key player in the global biofuel industry.

PCA Administrator Dexter R. Buted represented by Administration and Finance Deputy Administrator Atty. Lucius Jun-Jun G. Malsi, Research and Development Deputy Administrator Roy T. Devesa, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro signed the MOU with Manryu Co., Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Hiroaki Fujiwara, Osaka Metropolitan University’s Mr. Yasuaki Maeda, and other representatives. Also present at the signing were scientists from DOST-PCIEERD and UP Los Baños. The partnership aims to establish the Philippines as a leader in SAF production, leveraging Manryu’s innovative proprietary Maeda Method for biodiesel and SAF manufacturing, which promises enhanced safety features and cost-efficient production. It optimizes the use of coconut oil, one of the country's most abundant agricultural resources, in the production of biofuels, thus encouraging environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

The agreement capitalizes on joint research and development between PCA’s Research and Development Branch (RDB) and Manryu, which will center on conducting trials at PCA's facilities to test the viability of the method in producing SAF. The method's potential to lower production costs while maintaining safety and efficiency is expected to drive the commercialization of SAF in the Philippines, ushering the country as a pioneer in sustainable aviation fuel production in the ASEAN Region.

Under the MOU, PCA will provide access to its research facilities and high-quality coconut oil, while Manryu will supply its cutting-edge technology and equipment for SAF and biodiesel production. Both organizations will jointly conduct research, experiments, and testing to refine the process and ensure it meets global standards for aviation fuel. This partnership is also set to create opportunities for local employment, support the country’s goal of reducing carbon emissions, and open doors for further collaboration with stakeholders in the aviation and energy sectors.

With the Philippine government’s broader effort to promote green technologies and sustainable industries, along with the demand for eco-friendly aviation fuels on the rise, this venture sets the country as a leader in SAF production, contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

At the forefront of innovation and sustainability, the collaboration underscores the Authority’s ongoing transformation into a proactive, market-driven institution, aiming to empower Filipino coconut farmers and elevate the coconut industry on a global scale.

As the world looks toward more sustainable energy sources, the PCA and Manryu Co., Ltd. are taking a bold step forward, wielding the power of coconut oil to fuel the skies of tomorrow.