May 13, 2024

Three members of the Renewable Energy Security and Utilization Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Municipality of E.B. Magalona attended the Provincial Stakeholders' Consultative Power Summit at Santuario de La Salle in Bacolod City recently.

The TWG members are Legal Consultant Atty. Saviya Basille Albestor – vice chairperson; Consultant on Engineering and Mechanical Works Engr. Jessil Plaza-Casilagan – member; and Precious Joy Escala – Secretariat. The Power Summit aimed to gather insights and recommendations in preparation for the finalization of the Negros Occidental Energy Development Road Map.

The summit was organized by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the University of St. La Salle. It was attended by industry stakeholders and representatives from various local government units (LGUs) across the province.

At the end of the summit, the stakeholders recommended the establishment of a task force that will be composed of representatives from government agencies, industry stakeholders, and community representatives.

The task force will oversee the implementation of the Negros Occidental Energy Development Roadmap in order to ensure a seamless transition to renewable energy sources while maintaining power security and reliability in the province.

In his message, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson reiterated the province's dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship and highlighted the role of renewable energy in enhancing power security, reducing carbon emissions, mitigating climate change impacts, and fostering economic growth and job creation in Negros Occidental.

Stakeholders also explored the potential for public-private partnerships to fast-track the deployment of renewable energy projects and attract investments in the province's energy sector.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental will host the Renewable Energy Week slated next week, May 20-24, to further push for the SecuRE Negros Campaign.*

-E. B. MAGALONA PIO/ *With report from Provincial Government of Negros Occidental