WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF GROWING PALM OIL?

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF GROWING PALM OIL?

Did the Philippines stop planting oil palm?

That seems to be the popular perception, but it is not entirely accurate. Oil palm plantations still exist, particularly in Mindanao, but it is fair to say that the industry's growth has been slower than many had hoped.

The question now is not whether we stopped planting palm oil. The real question is whether we should prioritize it.

I believe that we should seriously consider doing so, especially if we are sincere about achieving energy security and reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels. Palm oil is one of the world's most productive oil crops. While coconut typically produces less than one ton of oil per hectare, oil palm can produce four to six times more. That productivity explains why neighboring countries have embraced it.

Take Indonesia as an example. By July 2026, it is implementing its B50 biodiesel program, blending 50 percent palm-based fuel with diesel. The Indonesian government expects this policy to strengthen energy independence, support farmers, and save billions of dollars in fuel subsidies.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is still struggling to move beyond relatively low biodiesel blending levels because we lack sufficient feedstock. We simply do not produce enough palm oil or coconut oil to support ambitious biofuel targets.

That is one of the strongest arguments in favor of oil palm.

There are other advantages as well. Palm oil provides a stable source of income for farmers because fruit bunches can be harvested throughout the year. It supports food manufacturing, cosmetics, detergents, and renewable energy industries. More importantly, it can create jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural communities.

However, we cannot ignore the disadvantages.

Around the world, oil palm has become controversial because of its association with deforestation, biodiversity loss, and land conflicts. Large plantations have sometimes displaced indigenous communities and destroyed wildlife habitats. Monoculture farming can also increase environmental risks and reduce ecological resilience.

This is why I believe that if the Philippines expands oil palm production, it must do so differently.

First, no forest land should be cleared to make way for oil palm plantations. We already have enough degraded and idle lands that could be utilized without sacrificing our remaining forests.

Second, lands suitable for food production should remain dedicated to food production. Oil palm should only be planted in areas that are not appropriate for staple crops and other strategic food commodities.

Third, indigenous peoples should not become victims of development. Instead, they should become beneficiaries. The government should design policies that allow indigenous communities to own plantations, participate in processing enterprises, and share in the profits.

Fourth, cooperatives should be encouraged to own processing mills so that value-added income remains within local communities.

What should we avoid?

We should avoid copying the mistakes of other countries where rapid expansion came at the expense of forests, biodiversity, and social justice. We should avoid allowing a few large corporations to dominate the industry while small farmers remain marginalized.

The debate over palm oil should not be reduced to a simple "yes" or "no." It should be about finding the right balance.

The Philippines needs food security, energy security, environmental protection, and rural development. These goals do not have to compete with one another if we plan wisely.

The real challenge is not whether we can grow more palm oil.

The real challenge is whether we can grow it sustainably, equitably, and responsibly.

If we can do that, oil palm could become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres  iseneres@yahoo.com  senseneres.blogspot.com  09088877282/07-29-2027