ILOILO — The Department of Energy (DOE) has named Iloilo the Visayas’ top-performing province in renewable energy and energy efficiency, citing its compliance with conservation policies and trailblazing legislation that now serves as a national benchmark for sustainable governance.
Iloilo will formally receive the Energy Champion Award from the DOE-Visayas Field Office during the Energy Champions, Leaders, Achievers, and Pioneers (ECLAP) Awards on December 12 in Cebu City, the culminating event of National Energy Consciousness Month.
Chief Science Research Specialist Lourdes Arciaga said the recognition underscores Iloilo’s leadership in institutionalizing energy-saving measures and investing in renewable systems across all of its local government units.
“Our aim is to celebrate those who are dedicated to fostering a culture of energy efficiency and sustainability,” Arciaga said.
“Iloilo stands out for its leadership in implementing the government energy management program, and this recognition is a testament to that,” she added.
100% LGU compliance, landmark legislation
A key factor behind Iloilo’s national lead is the province’s 100-percent adoption of the Local Efficiency and Conservation Plan (LECP) — a requirement that ensures LGUs allocate dedicated funds for energy efficiency programs.
Arciaga said this framework “is essential in nurturing an environment where energy conservation becomes a priority.”
DOE will also honor Board Member Rolando Distura, author of the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy (I-PORE) — the first provincial law in the country mandating that one-half of one percent of the entire provincial budget be earmarked for renewable energy development.
Distura’s legislation is regarded as a financing cornerstone that ensures continuous investment in sustainable energy projects.
Regional Development Council also cited
The Western Visayas Regional Development Council will likewise be recognized for being the only RDC nationwide to devote a separate chapter on renewable energy in its Regional Development Plan.
“We want to highlight their groundbreaking efforts to serve as a benchmark for other LGUs. Their innovative approach can inspire regions across the country to prioritize renewable energy,” Arciaga said.
Provincial energy-saving targets, school electrification push
Rey Victor Garin, OIC head for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office, highlighted the province’s strong implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
“Under GEMP, we have set our sights on achieving at least a 10 percent reduction in both fuel and electricity consumption,” Garin said.
“Investing in renewable energy projects is an integral part of this strategy, and we are committed to making this vision a reality.”
Distura is also pushing another ordinance — “Iloilo Schools Having Access to Renewable Energy” — now on second reading, which seeks to energize far-flung public schools through renewable sources.
The measure aims to close the energy access gap that continues to hinder education in remote communities.
A national beacon for clean energy governance
Iloilo’s sweeping adoption of conservation policies, pioneering legislation, and continuous investment in renewable infrastructure has positioned it as a leading model for sustainable governance in the Philippines.
The forthcoming award ceremony, Arciaga said, is both recognition and challenge: for Iloilo to sustain its momentum — and for other regions to follow its lead./PN
