Day 1: Localizing the Energy Transition- Building Future-Ready and Climate-Resilient Communities | August 19, 2025
The Province of Iloilo, Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk, headed by Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle P. Buyco, Jr., through the Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) Ph, and the Institute of Climate Sustainable Cities (ICSC), proudly commenced the Road to Renewables: Conversations on Energy Transition, Day 1: Localizing the Energy Transition- Building Future-Ready and Climate-Resilient Communities today, August 19, 2025 held at the Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.
This first session of the 4-day series focused on the unique and crucial role of Local Government Units in the drive for Renewable Energy technologies in the energy transition.
Mr. Roberto Emilio Hernandez, ICSC’s Director for the Energy Policy, introduced the Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia Project, (CASE)
Mr. Edward Neri, OIC-Solar Energy Management Division, Renewable Energy Management Bureau of the Department of Energy, shared the country’s current energy status and renewable energy targets.
Ms. Rowena Grace M. Cudia, Science Research Specialist, of the DOE- Investment Promotion Office, gave a presentation on the Energy Virtual One Shared System or EVOSS, and DOE’s Investment Facilitation Services EnP Juvelyn B. Pamonag, Chief Economic Development Specialist of the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division of the Department of Development Region VI, shared insights on the Regional Development Plan and the Renewable Energy Roadmap.
Hon. Rolando “Rolly” B. Distura, Iloilo Province’s Energy Champion and 4th District Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member, graced the program with his keynote speech. BM Rolly shared the province’s continuing commitment to advancing RE & EEC initiatives through local legislation and implementation.
Hon. Love-love Baronda, Iloilo City Vice Mayor, shared various ordinances by the city of Iloilo, such as the creation of the energy committee for energy projects. VM Love-love expressed the city’s commitment and support in forwarding Iloilo as a climate-sustainable city.
Alberto Dalusung III, ICSC’s Energy Transition Advisor, gave a presentation on the energy landscape of Iloilo Province and its journey towards sustainable and clean energy.
Mr. Charles Jason Diaz, Senior Data Analyst of ICSC, presented the Project REACH (Regional Energy and Climate Hub) and SPECTRUM (Solar Power Estimation of Capacities and Tracking using Machine Learning)— innovative tools that may serve as a planning tool for the development of renewable energy projects.
Mr. Francis Dela Cruz, Partnership and Advocacy Advisor for ICSC, facilitated the focused group discussion: Mapping Local RE Opportunities and Challenges.
Each LGU was grouped according to the province’s five congressional districts.
The LGUs’ attendance at today’s event reflects Iloilo Province’s established collaboration—an important element for putting Iloilo in the map when it comes to energy resiliency.
Mayors, Hon. Sally Lopez (San Dionisio), Hon. Robert Martin Pama (Duenas), Hon. Joe Abad Lazaro, Jr. Hon. Elvira Alarcon (Batad), Hon. Laurence Anthony Gorriceta (Pavia), were also present, showing their full support for the activity.
(PGENRO-EEC Desk)
Photo courtesy of Institute for Climate Sustainable and Cities (ICSC)