Bishop urges RE use acceleration

San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza on Wednesday urged the government to accelerate renewable energy (RE) development in the country.

“Our government — and, for that matter, all governments of the world that truly care for their people —must accelerate renewable energy development, particularly distributed and community-based systems that can provide affordable and dependable electricity to households and underserved communities,” the prelate said.

Alminaza made the call as the United Nations began holding the 31st Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye, which started on 9 November and ends on the 20th of the month.

The bishop reminded that the Philippines has substantial renewable energy potential and must be developed, especially through distributed and community-based systems.

The prelate said developing the country’s renewable energy can reduce dependence on imported fuels and bring power closer to households and underserved communities.

However, he said the pursuit of renewable energy should not be made at the cost of people and the environment.

“What we need is transformative renewable energy, introduced in a just transition that protects ecosystems, respects the rights of workers and Indigenous Peoples, and upholds the rights and livelihoods of communities,” Alminaza stated.

No excuse for land grab

“The rising demand for minerals used in clean energy technologies cannot excuse land grabbing, unsafe work or damage to fragile ecosystems,” he also pointed out.

The bishop said that families in the country have been struggling with the cost of living and should not be burdened with rising electricity bills.

“Unreliable electricity and rising bills take money from food, education, health care and other needs,” he pointed out.

“Affordable and dependable power is an essential service, and it must be within reach of the poor,” he added.