The Philippines is gearing up to become a hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, with its vast agricultural waste feedstock seen as a key resource to meet domestic jet fuel demand and drive exports.

“The Philippines has sufficient agricultural waste feedstock to cater to all of its jet fuel needs, helping the country do its part as commercial aviation pursues its net-zero goal by 2050,” Boeing Southeast Asia President Penny Burtt said at a forum on Friday.  

“We’re committed to continuing our work with the Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) and multi-industry partners to accelerate aviation decarbonization and capacity building locally,” she added.  

Industry experts highlight SAF's potential to reduce aviation emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel.  

Separately, the DOTr reaffirmed its commitment to advancing SAF through industry partnerships.  

“The success of the Philippines SAF Forum underscores our commitment to a sustainable aviation sector. By fostering innovation and partnerships, we are paving the way for the Philippines to become a leader in SAF production and usage,” the DOTr said.  

A report by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), supported by Boeing, estimates that Southeast Asia’s feedstocks could supply 12 percent of global SAF demand by 2050, with the Philippines and ASEAN nations contributing 90 percent of the region’s SAF capacity.

Meanwhile, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) aims for a 5 percent SAF blend by 2030 as part of broader efforts to decarbonize aviation.