|
|
According to US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the US government has plans for entering into a partnership with the Philippines for creating opportunities for both nations in biofuel research.
.
Vilsack, while addressing a press conference on Komday, has mentioned that more coopartaion between US and Philippines is required in energy security, particularly for developing renewable energy resources and alternative fuels.
"We are looking at a relationship and partnership with the Philippines in terms of research on biofuels. We recognise and appreciate that you're faced with the same challenges we're faced with. You don't want to be reliant on one form of energy," Vilsack said.
Philippines is the second largest geothermal energy producer in the world. It also uses solar and wind energies for creating power. Currenlty, the nation is lloikng into creating power from sources like coco-diesel and ethanol blended fuels.
"That's one relationship that we can get at, the biofuel business and I'm sure that we'll continue to share information, knowledge and discoveries," Vilsack said.
As to American investments in the Philippines, Vilsack said he is optimistic that the Philippines can attract more investors from the US.
"The reason being is that if we can see investment here, chances are good that there will be resources, services, goods, and essentially benefit US companies," he added.
He has also announced that the US will be giving away $8.5 million as food assistance for those have been affected by storms.
The food assistance, he said, will be in the form of rice, biscuits, and dried milk that will feed about 438,000 people for 60 days.
