Clockwise from top left: EDC CSR head Norreen Bautista, community partner Rafael Duhaylungsod, Sanggunian Panlalawigan environment and energy committee chair Jose Baldado, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Francisco Martinez, Gov. Roel Degamo and PCCI regional governor Edward DuThe provincial government of Negros Oriental has launched its own clean, renewable energy (RE) ordinance, the first of its kind from a local government unit across the country.

The launch was led by Gov. Roel Degamo in a multi-sectoral event held in Dumaguete City and broadcast online for guests and stakeholders outside the province.

Attendees included Energy Development Corporation (EDC) president and chief operating officer Richard Tantoco, REpower Negros convenor and San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Negros Oriental I Electric Cooperative Inc. general manager Dr. Juvileo Acabal, Silliman University president Dr. Betty McCann, and Department of Energy Visayas field office OIC-regional director Russ Mark Gamallo.

The RE code was proposed by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry 7 (Central Visayas) immediate past regional governor Edward Du and authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan environment and energy committee chair Jose Baldado.

The ordinance aims to increase RE investments in the province and help lessen the utilization of coal, which continues to provide about 55% of the country’s power supply.

Further, it encourages eligible institutions and companies to avail of the government’s green energy option program (GEOP) that allows power consumers with monthly consumption of at least 100 kilowatts to get electricity from a renewable energy source directly from licensed GEOP providers.

EDC subsidiary Green Core Geothermal Inc. is a licensed GEOP provider.

“We are one with Governor Degamo and the rest of the Negros Oriental local government in our commitment to preserving your green province,” said Tantoco.

The ordinance shall enable Negros Oriental to be the first province with a firm commitment to lower its carbon footprint and help in the global fight against climate change, fortifying its pledge to become a greener province. (Story/Photos by: Frances Ariola)