Abstract
This study examines the integration of coconut farmers into the Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) biodiesel supply chain in Quezon Province in response to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) biodiesel blending mandate. A descriptive-correlational design was used to evaluate stakeholder perceptions among farmers, traders, and manufacturers regarding supply chain dynamics, challenges, and readiness for integration. Results indicate that current linkages are weak and fragmented, with limited farmer participation and continued dominance of traders. Technical and organizational readiness remains low, reflecting inadequate access to technology and infrastructure, as well as limited cooperative management capacity. Despite these gaps, respondents strongly supported the development of a structured integration framework and recognized its positive impact on sustainability and supply reliability. The proposed Engineering Management Framework consists of five dimensions: Current Supply Chain Dynamics, Technical and Organizational Readiness, Communication and Coordination Mechanisms, Framework Design Considerations, and Impact and Sustainability. Each dimension includes actionable programs focusing on partnership development, capacity building, data coordination, and quality assurance. Overall, the study highlights the importance of engineering management in promoting collaboration, improving efficiency, and ensuring a sustainable CME biodiesel supply chain through inclusive integration of farmers.
Keywords: Biodiesel Supply Chain, Coconut Methyl Ester (CME), Engineering Management Framework, Farmer Integration, Sustainability
https://zenodo.org/records/21457015
