BUSINESS
DOE charges up visayas renewables
‘Every Filipino can make a difference. Conserving energy is not only about reducing expenses, it is also about protecting our environment and contributing to nation-building.’
ILOILO CITY — The Department of Energy (DoE) has strengthened its push for renewable energy and energy efficiency in Western Visayas after Energy Secretary Sharon Garin led the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with local government units across Panay Island, Iloilo City and Megaworld Corporation.
The agreement forms part of the Solar Solutions for Government: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Program Buildings, an initiative that aims to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies and improve energy efficiency in government facilities.
The MoA signing coincided with the first regional activation of the O.N.E. (Oras Natin sa Efficiency) campaign, a nationwide energy conservation initiative encouraging households, businesses, and government institutions to reduce electricity consumption.
In her message, Garin urged the public to support the campaign by unplugging and switching off unnecessary appliances, lights, and electrical devices for one hour every Saturday, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
She said the simple practice can help consumers lower their electricity bills, reduce energy demand, protect the environment, and contribute to the country’s energy security.
“Every Filipino can make a difference. Conserving energy is not only about reducing expenses, it is also about protecting our environment and contributing to nation-building,” Garin said.
“Energy responsibility knows no boundaries. Every kilowatt we save strengthens our energy system and benefits businesses and communities across the country. When millions of Filipinos choose to use electricity wisely — even for just one hour each week, we demonstrate that Enerhiyang Matatag at Makatao begins with the everyday decisions we make in our homes, workplaces and communities,” she added.
The Iloilo rollout is the first expansion of the campaign outside Metro Manila, where it was initially launched through partnerships with SM Supermalls, Robinsons Land Corp., and Ayala Malls.
Alongside the campaign, the DoE expanded its Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings Program by signing new memoranda of agreement with the Iloilo City government, the provincial governments of Antique, Aklan, and Capiz, and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development Region VI.
The program helps government agencies and local government units install rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, implement energy-efficient retrofits, and adopt other technologies that reduce electricity consumption, lower operating expenses, and improve the resilience of public facilities.