PNoy tasks DFA, DOE to prepare for Asia-Europe biofuels conference

President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the Departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Energy (DOE) to organize and implement activities in connection with the country’s hosting this November of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on the Harmonization of Biofuels Standards and Application to Vehicle Technologies. In Administrative Order (AO) 19, which Aquino signed on September 6, DFA and DOE were tasked to prepare activities for the Philippine hosting of ASEM conference on November 10 and 11. The two-day conference will discuss the biofuel industry, its integration to current technology, and policies to continue development and innovation, stated ASEM on its website. The sessions will provide an avenue for the sharing of ideas and best practices among industry members, experts and government to provide a benchmark which individual ASEM member countries can use as gauge in pushing their own respective biofuel programs for greater biofuel integration in the transport sector. The President noted that during the 6th ASEM summit held in Helsinki, Finland, in September 2006, the Philippine initiative on biofuels was accepted by ASEM leaders. Malacañang released AO 19 to the media Friday. Support from other agencies Under AO 19, an executive committee to be headed by Secretaries Albert del Rosario (DFA) and Rene Almendras (DOE) or their duly designated representatives will be created. The executive committee shall closely coordinate the integrated assistance by obtaining technical, financial and administrative support from other relevant agencies and local government units where the ASEM conference and other related activities will be held. The committee is tasked to “formulate a work program and budget plan for the hosting of the conference and other related activities; implement the work program, and supervise and monitor all activities." It is also tasked to call upon any official, agent, employee, agency or instrumentality of the government for any assistance that may be necessary to ensure the success of the Philippine hosting of the conference and its related activities. The executive committee will also engage the support, assistance and cooperation of international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and private sector and entities in the preparations and conduct of the conference. — Amita Legaspi/MRT/VS, GMA News