The Lanao del Sur Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Energy is in Iloilo to study the province’s pioneering models in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias welcomed the delegates on behalf of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. who is in Manila for an official trip. Joining him are Board Member Rolando Distura who is the chairperson of the newly-created Committee on Energy of the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan; PGENRO chief Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr.; and PGENRO Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk Focal Rey Victor Garin.
The Lanao del Sur delegates were accompanied by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) who is implementing the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Access to Climate Security and Health Services (RE3ACHS) in Lanao del Sur.
The visit aimed to gather insights of the province’s initiatives which positioned Iloilo as a leader in the implementation of the government energy management program.
Among these is its landmark legislation, the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy (I-PORE) authored by Board Member Distura. Under the ordinance, the provincial government allocates 0.5 percent of its annual provincial budget for renewable energy projects.
Iloilo has successfully adopted green energy in several district hospitals, with the installation of rooftop solar PV systems at Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas, Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial Hospital in Lambunao, Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial Hospital in Balasan, and ALEOSAN District Hospital in Alimodian.
All 43 LGUs have also successfully crafted their Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans (LEECP), unlocking local funds for energy-saving initiatives.
The Lanao del Sur legislators have expressed their interest in adopting Iloilo’s frameworks, particularly the I-PORE budget allocation model. (Capitol News)
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