By Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Engr. Jeriel Militar, Project Leader, and Faculty Member of CPU’s College of Engineering presented the USAID ESP: EKEWV Grant.
In a significant step toward empowering the Western Visayas region with comprehensive energy knowledge, Central Philippine University (CPU) launched the “OnE Portal Western Visayas” and presented the draft of the 2022 Western Visayas Energy Situationer Report at the District 21 Hotel in Iloilo City on November 7, 2023.
This groundbreaking initiative, funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Energy Secure Philippines (USAID ESP) program, aims to provide a robust online platform for energy-related information, making data readily accessible to researchers, policymakers, academia, energy companies, and other stakeholders in the Western Visayas region.
OnE Portal Western Visayas, the online databank’s official name, is designed to be a comprehensive repository of energy-related information, including data on energy demand and supply, energy policies, energy infrastructure (power plants, transmission facilities, and distribution utilities), a database of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) experts, suppliers of RE systems, energy-related researches, and energy situationer reports for the Western Visayas region. Beyond data, OnE Portal Western Visayas will also function as an advocacy portal for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental protection and conservation through the publication of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials for such advocacies.
The event commenced with an invocation led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of CPU’s Office of Communications. Following the invocation, Mr. Enrique Gallardo, Deputy Chief of Party of USAID ESP, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in advancing sustainable energy solutions in the Western Visayas region.
Participants in the Launching of the OnE Portal Western Visayas included LGUs, schools and electric cooperatives.
The ntroduction of the USAID ESP: EKEWV Grant was presented by Engr. Jeriel Militar, Project Leader, and Faculty Member of CPU’s College of Engineering. He outlined the key objectives and goals of the grant, emphasizing its significance in addressing energy challenges in the region.
The launching of the OnE Portal Western Visayas was a significant moment in the event, undertaken by Engr. Caesar Rico Acanto, Assistant Project Leader, and Faculty Member of CPU’s College of Engineering. The launch marked the beginning of a digital resource that will play a vital role in shaping the energy landscape of Western Visayas.
To provide a practical insight into the OnE Portal, Mr. Lennon Pajar, an IT Specialist and teacher at CPU’s College of Computer Studies, conducted a walk-through demonstration of the online portal, showcasing its various features and functions.
An open forum was conducted by Engr. Jeriel Militar, allowing attendees to raise questions and engage in discussions regarding the project’s implementation and potential impacts on the region.
Dr. Aries Roda Romallosa, Technical Writer and Chairperson of CPU’s Department of Agricultural Engineering, presented the Draft 2022 Western Visayas Energy Situationer (WVES) Report. The report aims to provide a regional perspective on the energy situation, complementing the national energy situation report by DOE. An open forum followed Dr. Romallosa’s presentation, encouraging feedback and discussions on the report’s contents.
The event concluded with the closing remarks by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President, who expressed his gratitude for the partnership and commitment of all parties involved in making the project a reality.
The launch of OnE Portal Western Visayas and the presentation of the draft 2022 Western Visayas Energy Situationer Report mark a significant step toward enhancing energy knowledge, fostering sustainable energy solutions, and promoting environmental protection and conservation in the Western Visayas region. This initiative, funded by USAID ESP and spearheaded by Central Philippine University, is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the region’s energy sector.