The Iloilo Provincial Government is taking a proactive role in advancing energy infrastructure as the Department of Energy (DOE) has chosen the province as a pilot area for its proposed LGU ordinance template. The initiative aims to streamline the permitting process, enhance energy security, and stimulate economic growth by integrating permit requirements from various government agencies into a more efficient and investment-friendly framework.
DOE’s presentation aligns with Presidential Directive No. PBBM-2024-1186-1187, which mandates a study on the simultaneous processing of energy permits to accelerate project approvals and reduce bureaucratic delays.
𝐃𝐎𝐄’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨’𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
DOE Undersecretary Atty. Sharon Garin, together with officials from the Renewable Energy Management Bureau, Visayas Field Office, and Biomass Energy Management Division, led the discussion on how the proposed ordinance can simplify approval processes while ensuring compliance with national and local policies.
The presentation covered key areas, including ongoing and planned energy projects in Iloilo, benefits to host communities, and the ordinance’s role in strengthening local governance over energy investments.
Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr., Vice Governor Christine Garin, and Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias welcomed the DOE’s initiative, recognizing its potential to attract investments and accelerate Iloilo’s energy development.
However, Governor Defensor also emphasized the need to strike a balance between infrastructure growth and agricultural sustainability, given Iloilo’s standing directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to increase rice production. He assured that while the province is open to energy investments, it will not compromise agricultural inputs and food security, as Iloilo remains a key agricultural hub in the region.
Also present were Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Hon. Rolando Distura, Hon. June Mondejar, and Hon. Rolito Cajilig, as well as representatives from the offices of Hon. Jo Ann Germinanda, Hon. Marcelo Valentine Serag, and Hon. Binky Tupas.
Key provincial offices such as the Penro-lgu Iloilo Ipg which facilitated the event, Iloilo Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), Iloilo Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), LEDIP Center Iloilo Province, and Iloilo Provincial Legal Office, alongside Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECO) I, II, and III, also participated.
𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨’𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
By piloting this ordinance, Iloilo is positioning itself at the forefront of energy governance reforms, ensuring efficient project approvals while fostering sustainable development. The Iloilo Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating energy investments, strengthening local energy resilience, and creating a regulatory environment that supports economic growth.
As a pilot area, Iloilo is set to lead innovations in energy infrastructure policies, accelerating progress toward a more reliable, accessible, and sustainable energy sector that benefits both investors and local communities.
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