PNOC unit to start plant construction

PNOC-Alternative Fuels Corp. is ready to start building biodiesel plants at its 530-hectare industrial park in Bataan province, Philippines. PNOC-AFC President Peter Abaya said the Office of Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) has approved the entry of investors engaged in alternative fuels in its industrial park. Abaya said the company is finalizing partnerships with at least 10 Philippine and foreign companies for biodiesel-related projects, particularly in Mindanao. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of state-owned PNOC, PNOC-AFC has a primary mandate to explore, develop and accelerate the utilization and commercialization of existing and emerging alternative sources of energy and technologies and carry on the business of alternative fuels and other related activities. (February 5, 2007)