The Iloilo Provincial Government through the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk (PGENRO- EEC Desk), with the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development- Energy Secure Philippines (USAID-ESP) and the Hawai’i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) successfully conducted the training on Renewable Energy Technology Applications for Local Government Units (LGUs) held at the Grand Social Hall of Casa Real Iloilo Provincial Capitol on November 6, 2024.
Mr. Mark Matsuura, Senior Smart Grid Program Manager, Integrated Energy Systems and Ms. Sarah Demsky Junior Researcher, Grid Integration of the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute provided their expertise on the field of RE.
Mr. Matsuura and Ms. Demsky provided an excellent discussion on case studies for RE applications on agriculture, healthcare, education, and DRRM (disaster risk reduction and management); regulatory frameworks for Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Net Metering (NEM) in the Philippines; and most importantly DER planning tools— providing an overview on the importance of data-driven and evidence-based planning in RE projects.
The event commenced with a rationale by Mr. Rey Victor P. Garin, Project Development Officer II and EEC Focal Person for the Province of Iloilo. Later on, Mr. Garin shared the current status of the Province’s renewable energy projects, including existing Solar PV installations, proposed RE projects, trainings, and capacity buildings. Mr. Garin highlighted the importance of developing a sound plan to ensure sustainable energy solutions for the future.
Hon. Rolando "Rolly" B. Distura Sangguniang Panlalawigan 4th District Board Member and Iloilo Province’s very own Energy Champion, provided his message of support— underscoring the critical role of LGUs in driving the renewable energy transition. He emphasized the need for stronger policy support, active community participation, and inter-agency cooperation to ensure the success of RE initiatives in the province.
Ms. Lourdes S. Arciaga, Chief Science Research Specialist, Energy Resource Development Utilization Division of the Department of Energy-Visayas Field Office (DOE-VFO) provided an overview of the national renewable energy landscape. Ms. Arciaga shared key policies, program frameworks, and ongoing projects that aim to increase RE access across the country.
Mr. Kaiser Merz C. Marcelino, Lead, Senior Utility Adviser of USAID’s Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) Activity, concluded the training session with a discussion on renewable energy-powered mobile systems— giving an insight on how up-cycling old cargo storage with the innovations of RE can provide reliable energy sources during times of emergencies and natural disasters.
Dr. Raul N. Banias, Provincial Administrator of Iloilo, wholeheartedly acknowledged the contributions of all speakers, sponsors, and participants, to the success of the event. Dr. Banias assured that the Province will continue to advocate for further projects and initiatives on RE & EEC.
The event closed with remarks from Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle P. Buyco Jr., Iloilo Province’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Officer, and PGDH of the PGENRO. Atty. Buyco took the opportunity to highlight November as the National Environmental Consciousness month. Atty. Buyco encouraged everyone to support Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor’s campaign for Iloilo to become a “Forest Province”.
This event marked a significant milestone in Iloilo’s commitment to advancing renewable energy. With the guidance of experts and strengthened partnerships, the province is well-positioned to incorporate RE technologies into its long-term development plans, setting a positive example for other regions across the Philippines.
(PGENRO-EEC Team)