Elmer Recuerdo, a provincial correspondent for DAILY TRIBUNE, has won the prestigious Best Energy Story award in the fifth edition of the Media Awards and Recognition of Media Partners.

Recuerdo’s winning article, “Integrating RE (Renewable Energy) in Disaster Response,” published in the paper’s Global Goals section on 8 April 2024, highlights the crucial role of renewable energy (RE) in disaster response, especially in humanitarian efforts during crises.

The award recognized Recuerdo’s impactful exploration of RE’s potential in powering up disaster-stricken areas, using personal experiences and research from his time covering Eastern Visayas.

A key aspect of his article revolved around a tragic incident in Tacloban’s tent city following typhoon “Yolanda,” where a family of seven perished in a fire caused by an unattended kerosene lamp.

“The cause of the fire was an unattended kerosene lamp that the family used overnight. The tragedy could have been avoided if the family had also been provided with a solar lamp. I used that incident in my story to emphasize the importance of using renewable energy at that stage of humanitarian response.”

Recuerdo’s connection to renewable energy is personal, having worked as an information officer for a USAID-funded project that introduced renewable energy solutions in off-grid communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He said this experience, along with his observations in Tacloban after typhoon “Yolanda,” deepened his conviction about the importance of renewable energy in disaster relief.

In his article, Recuerdo drew attention to the widespread reliance on diesel generators during humanitarian efforts, highlighting their noise, fuel costs, and environmental impact.

He contrasted this with the potential benefits of renewable energy, noting, “We are all aware of how fossil fuels such as diesel contribute to global warming, which is the very reason why we have these strong typhoons such as Yolanda. It is a bit of a paradox to use fossil fuel in humanitarian response.”

The article also reflectsed the growing awareness in the region about the need for renewable energy, though fiscal limitations remain a challenge for local government units seeking to transition to RE solutions.

Despite these obstacles, Recuerdo is optimistic, acknowledging the role of NGOs and UN agencies in raising awareness. He urges that for widespread adoption, there needs to be a commitment to long-term investment and sustainability.

As a journalist of seven years at DAILY TRIBUNE, Recuerdo has earned recognition for his in-depth coverage of social issues, including health and the environment. Last year, he won the Best Health Story award for his coverage of the rise of teenage pregnancy in Eastern Visayas.

Looking ahead, he said he is particularly interested in examining the sustainability of renewable energy projects funded by donors, citing the example of a solar farm in Limasawa, Southern Leyte, destroyed by typhoon “Odette.”

“I think it is irresponsible for any agency, government, or NGO to install a renewable energy system without insurance, knowing how vulnerable Eastern Visayas is to strong typhoons,” he said.

Recuerdo also shared advice for aspiring journalists, urging them to cover less-explored topics.

“Journalism is not all about politicians, crime, and controversies of the day. In your journey, discover less-traveled trails, create new trails, and leave a mark. Someday, passersby will see your trail and will know it was you that created them.”

The Media Awards and Recognition of Media Partners is organized by the Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders, a regional group of over 120 media practitioners.

(https://tribune.net.ph/2024/04/07/integrating-re-in-disaster-response).