House Minority Leader and 4Ps Partylist Representative Marcelino Libanan has called on the government to provide direct financial support to coconut farmers and workers who may be affected by the temporary suspension of mandatory biofuel blending.

Libanan emphasized that while the government focuses on mitigating the impact of the Middle East crisis on the country’s energy supply, it should not overlook those in the coconut industry who rely on their livelihoods.

He proposed a ₱3.5 million subsidy to be distributed through agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Agriculture (DA).

According to Libanan, these agencies could mobilize direct cash assistance, emergency employment, and agricultural support to help cushion the effects of rising petroleum prices.

Mandatory biofuel blending, which mixes a percentage of biofuels like coconut-based biodiesel with conventional fuels such as gasoline and diesel, has been temporarily suspended, prompting concerns over the economic impact on farmers.