ILOILO CITY — The province of Iloilo has been recognized as one of this year’s Energy Champion Award recipients by the Department of Energy-Visayas Field Office (DoE-VFO) for its bold, measurable strides in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The award is reserved for local governments pushing significant clean energy initiatives.

“We want to recognize entities and individuals who are truly moving the needle in clean energy,” said Chief Science Research Specialist Lourdes Arciaga ahead of the ECLAP Awards on 12 December in Cebu City, the centerpiece of this year’s National Energy Consciousness Month.

Arciaga cited that Iloilo is a standout because all local government units (LGUs) across the province have, for the first time, completed their Local Efficiency and Conservation Plans. This is a crucial requirement that allows them to set aside funds for energy-saving and efficiency projects.

“We want this highlighted to inspire other provinces,” she added.

Iloilo’s Board Member Rolando Distura is also set to receive an ECLAP citation for authoring the groundbreaking Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy (I-PORE). This law mandates that 0.5 percent of the entire provincial budget be earmarked for renewable energy projects, making it one of the strongest local policies supporting clean power in Western Visayas.

Additionally, the Western Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) will be recognized for being the lone regional council in the country to embed a dedicated renewable energy chapter in its Regional Development Plan — a move the DoE says “sets the benchmark for other regions.”

Rey Victor Garin, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Government’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk, stated that Iloilo’s campaigns are anchored on the Government Energy Management Program, which requires government institutions to save 10 percent in both electricity and fuel consumption.

“There is simply no better way to hit those targets than by investing heavily in renewable energy,” Garin explained.

Distura, on the other hand, is pushing for further measures as his proposal, the Iloilo Schools Having Access to Renewable Energy Ordinance, is now on second reading at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The measure aims to bring clean, reliable power to remote schools and off-grid communities.

With this new citation, Iloilo strengthens its profile as the Visayas’ clean-energy frontrunner, demonstrating how decisive policies, strong leadership, and sustained investment can turn energy efficiency from a mandate into a movement.