Stakeholders from various sectors signed a covenant of commitment to support the goals laid out in the “SecuRE Negros Energy Development Roadmap” during the summit and forum held at a hotel in Talisay City, Negros Occidental yesterday.
The signing, led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, capped the presentation of the roadmap, outlining the province’s Energy Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan.
“Today, we stand on the threshold of a most meaningful occasion — the beginning of our collective journey towards a SecuRE Negros. The vision of SecuRE Negros is ambitious,” Lacson said.
The initiative aims for a Reliable, Renewable, Affordable, Available, Accessible, and Sustainable Energy for Occidental Negros by 2030 (RRAAASE-ON 2030).
“The Provincial Energy Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan tells us what we want to achieve, what needs to be done, how we will do it, and what kind of challenges we will have to hurdle along the way,” the governor said.
Lacson added that the launch of the Energy Development Roadmap is “a testament to our collective commitment to ensuring power security for the province and staying at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution.”
During the roadmap presentation, provincial consultant on energy and environmental concerns Rafael Coscolluela said one of the main courses of action is the enactment of the Provincial Energy Code to ensure that the campaign for power security and energy sector development is not only institutionalized but is also coordinated, implemented and sustained effectively.
“It will likewise ensure inclusive participation of industry stakeholders in all matters concerning energy,” he added.
He also pushed for an executive order establishing “SecuRE Negros” as a Provincial Flagship Program, adopting the roadmap as an implementing guide.
An energy sector focal person will also be designated along with the secretariat and the Energy Sector Consultative Council as provided for by the Provincial Energy Code.
These two courses of action are part of Phase 1, expected to be implemented from 2024 to 2025.
A diverse assembly of stakeholders, including representatives from power generation companies, distribution utilities, business and industry leaders, civil society groups, academic institutions, financing institutions, and local government units, attended the morning session.
In the covenant, the signatories committed to a “unified vision of a sustainable and energy-secure future for the province.”
“As stakeholders, we pledge to promote renewable energy, support energy sector transformation, adopt energy efficiency and conservation measures, campaign for accessible and affordable power for all, engage in transparent collaboration, educate and empower communities, and champion environmental stewardship,” they said.
In the afternoon, a forum led by Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella tackled vital energy development concerns with the local governments.
The discussions focused on the Energy Virtual One-Stop-Shop Act, the Local Energy Code, the Government Energy Management Program, an overview of renewable energy potentials in Negros, and the roles of the local government units in the downstream oil industry. (PNA)