By Christsam Joy S. Jaspe-Santander

EECOs and focal persons from the various municipalities in the Province of Iloilo together with representatives and resource persons from the Department of Energy, USAID ESP Grants Team, Iloilo Provincial Government and CPU EKEWV team.

As part of the campaign to educate and capacitate the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Province of Iloilo, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) Activity, implemented by Central Philippine University through the Energy Knowledge Empowerment in Western Visayas (CPU EKEWV) Project, spearheaded the 4-day ENERGY 101 Lecture Series.

The lecture series is specifically tailored for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Officers, focal persons, and members of local government energy teams across Western Visayas. It aims to equip LGUs with the foundational knowledge necessary to implement energy policies effectively. By enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the Panay energy infrastructure, the series provides a robust theoretical background to enable participants to engage effectively in discussions and decision-making processes related to energy policies, strategies, and plans. Additionally, the series aims to educate stakeholders on renewable energy utilization in Western Visayas and ensure the effective implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) in compliance with relevant energy policies. Ultimately, the objective is to empower these stakeholders to make informed decisions and supervise energy efficiency and conservation strategies within their local government units.

EECO and focal person completers receive a certificate of completion equivalent to 16 hours of technical training.

The series comprises four sessions, each focusing on a different aspect of energy management and policy. The first session, held on April 22, 2024, titled “Power Infrastructure of Panay and Its Challenges,” included discussions on basic electrical power and energy concepts, Republic Act 9136 (Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001), and the power infrastructure in Western Visayas.

The second session, on May 20, 2024, titled “Energy Efficiency and Conservation for Electricity,” delved into energy efficiency (EE) strategies and practices with a particular focus on electricity, including energy efficiency and conservation principles, Republic Act 11285 (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act), and the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).

The third session, held on June 27, 2024, titled “Fuel Efficiency and Electric Vehicles as EE&C Initiatives for GEMP,” shifted focus to electric vehicles and best practices for managing and maintaining government vehicles, legal frameworks and compliance protocols for energy efficiency and conservation, and practical skills for reducing fuel consumption.

Finally, the fourth session, on July 15, 2024, titled “Renewable Energy as a Strategy to Energy Conservation and GEMP Compliance,” addressed the renewable energy sector, covering renewable energy basic principles, Republic Act 9513 (Renewable Energy Act of 2008), and current renewable energy projects in Western Visayas.

During the final session, representatives from the Department of Energy, Iloilo Provincial Government, and the USAID ESP Grants Team, together with the CPU EKEWV team, joined in recognizing 27 dedicated participants who completed all four sessions. These achievers received a certificate of completion equivalent to 16 hours of technical training.

The ENERGY 101 Lecture Series provided valuable insights into energy management and policy and fostered a collaborative environment for local government units to share best practices and innovative solutions. These dedicated participants are now better equipped to drive sustainable energy initiatives and contribute to a more energy-efficient and resilient Western Visayas.