Manila, Sept. 1 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is exploring cheaper and more diverse feedstock options to make locally produced bioethanol more competitive with imports while protecting industries that rely on the same crops, the agency said Tuesday.

According to the DA, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin discussed measures to reduce feedstock costs, maximize idle distillery capacity, and increase domestic ethanol production as the government considers raising the national bioethanol blend from 10 percent to 15 percent.

The two agencies are evaluating feedstock sources such as molasses, sugarcane juice and locally produced corn to support higher ethanol output and reduce dependence o...