PNOC unit signs agreement with local governments

State-run Philippine National Oil Co.’s state-run affiliate Alternative Fuels Corp. (PAFC) said it has signed a tripartite agreement with the local government units (LGU) of Rodriguez, Rizal and the Montalban Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative for the allocation of some 2,000 hectares that will be dedicated to jatropha planting. PNOC-AFC President and Chief Executive Officer Romeo P. Tolentino said the signing of the pact was anchored on the parties’ intent “to pool and commit our resources to attain the production target of jatropha” to expedite attainment of goals relative to the country’s biofuels program. The Arroyo government has been priming jatropha as the feedstock for biodiesel production. The agreement provides that PNOC-AFC will earmark seed funding of Php9.13 million (US$189,356) for the initial area of the jatropha plantation that will cover 500 hectares. (May 20, 2009)