Philippines develops malunggay as biodiesel feedstock

A biodiesel feedstock from “malunggay” oil is seen to emerge as a revolutionary biodiesel raw material, with the United States’ Green Energy Technology (GET) and Filipino firm Secura International Corp. (SIC) investing US$30 million in this feedstock. A biodiesel plant that processes malunggay oil may be in operation in two years, owing to a memorandum of agreement forged between the two companies. “Coconut is very expensive; this involves just a tenth of the price (of coconut),” said SIC President Danilo Manayaga in an interview. However, he adds that a crucial factor to the success of this venture is government’s support for the planting of malunggay. (December 1, 2008)