STRENGTHENING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT: Representatives from the various LGUs of Pampanga were all ears during the DOE’s EVOSS Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Forum and LGU Energy Code Public Consultation on 4 March 2020 at the Fontana Leisure Park.

CLARK, PAMPANGA– The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Investment Promotion Office (IPO), held an Energy Investment Briefing on Wednesday (4 March) for Central Luzon (Region III) stakeholders at the Fontana Leisure Park. A Public Consultation on the Local Government Unit (LGU) Energy Code, as well as an Information, Education, and Communication forum on the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) Act likewise took place during the event.
 
Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, “We regularly hold these briefings to provide our stakeholders with timely updates on industry developments, particularly energy investments. We need more energy projects to come in, and this is where fully preparing our LGUs in their role of upholding efficient regulatory and permitting processes is important.”  

The activity featured an overview of the EVOSS Act, a briefing on the Luzon Power Supply and Demand Outlook for 2020, existing and potential energy projects in the region, and a discussion on the experience of Pampanga as a host to a power project, which gave rise to investment and livelihood opportunities for the communities of the province. 

DOE Spokesperson and Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella led the Public Consultation on the LGU Energy Code, which aims to harmonize energy regulatory and permitting processes at the local level. Said Code is jointly being developed by the DOE together with the Department of Interior and Local Government, Public-Private Partnership Center, and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines. 

Also present in the event were DOE-Luzon Field Office Director Renante M. Sevilla, DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau Assistant Director Marissa P. Cerezo, DOE-Energy Resource Development Bureau Assistant Director Ismael U. Ocampo, Masinloc Municipality Investment Promotion Officer Marcus Arnanas, and representatives from regional LGUs, electric cooperatives, energy developers, and constituents.

###