By Artchil B. Fernandez
The province of Iloilo made history as the first and only recipient of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Sustainable Energy Awards 2024 (SEA 2024) under the local government unit (LGU) category.
Iloilo was recognized for its outstanding performance in promoting renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) initiatives, positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable energy practices in Western Visayas.
The awarding ceremony took place on December 12, 2024, at the Makati Diamond Residences.
Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr., Vice Governor Christine Garin, Fourth District Board Member Rolando “Rolly” B. Distura, Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle P. Buyco Jr., Provincial Government Department Head of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), and Mr. Rey Victor P. Garin, EEC focal person, represented Iloilo Province during the event.
The province’s success stemmed from its comprehensive RE and EEC programs, projects, and legislative measures.
Through the efforts of the PGENRO Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk (PGENRO-EEC Desk), Iloilo implemented a variety of initiatives, including capacity-building programs, training sessions, public information campaigns, technical support for RE project development, and solar PV installations in district hospitals.
Collaboration with vital agencies also played a key role in Iloilo’s achievements.
One of the province’s standout initiatives is the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy 2022 (I-PORE), the country’s first RE ordinance with a budget allocation.
The ordinance, authored by Iloilo’s Energy Champion, Board Member Distura, provided a legislative framework to support renewable energy development and cemented the province’s commitment to sustainability.
Representatives from the DOE, European Union Access to Sustainable Energy Programme, United Nations Development Programme-DREAMS (Development for Renewable Energy Applications Mainstreaming and Market Sustainability Project), Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership-United Nations Office for Project Services, USAID, and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities attended the ceremony.
Iloilo’s recognition underscores its leadership in sustainable energy and commitment to fostering a cleaner, more efficient energy future for its residents.
