DOE, CCC team up to push ‘clean’ energy

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Climate Change Commission (CCC) have agreed to jointly push for increased use and production of renewable energy (RE) to address the adverse effects of climate change in the country.

“Our continuing goal is to triple our RE capacities by 2030. To date, we remain confident that this aim will be achieved,” Energy Undersecretary Raul B. Aguilos said in a statement.

Aguilos signed Tuesday a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding (MCOU) with CCC Commissioner Heherson T. Alvarez on the country’s RE road map.

The signing of the MCOU supports the DOE’s efforts to triple the RE capacity in the country by 2030 from the current 5,000 megawatts, Aguilos said.

The MCOU enjoined both the DOE and the CCC to foster sustainable development objectives through broader cooperation, systematic exploitation, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy resources throughout the country.

Both agencies are set to work together to establish model renewable energy systems; guide program participants and disseminate information on RE systems, technologies and their benefits to local communities and the environment.

Aguilos said Local Government Units (LGUs) would also play a significant role in the speedy development and successful implementation of RE programs in their localities.

Other guests during the signing were former Education Undersecretary Hermenegildo Dumlao, former Senator Nina Rasul, Mother Earth Foundation chair Sonia Mendoza, Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy President Amina Rasul Bernardo, officials from the DOE and local government units, attached energy agencies and financial institutions.—Riza T. Olchondra