Cebu city: The province of Iloilo has been recognized as an Energy Champion by the Visayas Field Office of the Department of Energy for its outstanding contributions to renewable energy initiatives. "We want to recognize government entities, individuals, and other institutions that have contributed to the promotion of our goal on renewable energy and energy efficiency," stated Chief Science Research Specialist Lourdes Arciaga in an interview on Friday. The Energy Champions, Leaders, Achievers, and Pioneers (ECLAP) Awards will take place in Cebu City on December 12 and will be a highlight of the National Energy Consciousness Month celebration in November.
According to Philippines News Agency, Iloilo stands out as a leader in implementing the government's energy management program. The provincial government's initiatives have ensured that 100 percent of its local government units have a Local Efficiency and Conservation Plan, a requirement for allocating funds for energy efficiency projects. Arciaga emphasized the importance of highlighting Iloilo's achievements to encourage other provinces to follow suit.
In addition to the province of Iloilo, the ECLAP award will also be conferred to Iloilo Board Member Rolando Distura for authoring the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy (I-PORE). This landmark legislation mandates that one-half of one percent of the province's total budget be allocated for renewable energy projects. The Western Visayas Regional Development Council, the only council in the country to provide a special chapter on promoting renewable energy in its Regional Development Plan, will also be recognized.
Arciaga noted, "That is big for us in the Department of Energy. We want to give them recognition for them to serve as a benchmark for other LGUs." Meanwhile, Rey Victor Garin, OIC Head for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office, mentioned that their renewable energy efforts are aligned with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP). The GEMP stipulates a 10 percent savings on both fuel and electricity, and investing in renewable energy projects is seen as the best approach to achieve this.
Garin also highlighted that Distura is working on another ordinance, the Iloilo Schools Having Access to Renewable Energy, which is currently on its second reading at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. This project aims to prioritize far-flung schools or areas without access to electricity, ensuring they benefit from renewable energy solutions.
