ILOILO CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Investment Promotion Office (IPO), held an Energy Investment Briefing, as well as an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign on the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) Act for Region VI (Western Visayas) yesterday (16 October) at The Mansion Hotel.
“Providing the secure and fast processing of energy projects is the main objective of the EVOSS Act. That is why we are conducting IECs to ensure that our constituents and investors are well aware of the benefits and impact to our country,” Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi highlighted.
The briefing aims to establish a network among key stakeholders such as the Local Government Units (LGUs), Electric Cooperatives (ECs), and existing and potential energy investors on the implementation of energy projects in the region. Speakers also provided updates and an overview of the EVOSS Act; Visayas Power Supply and Demand Outlook; Benefits for Power Generation Host Communities; and the experience of Iloilo City as host of a power project which resulted to more opportunities and investments in their communities.
On 8 March 2019, President Duterte signed the Republic Act No. 11234, or the EVOSS Act, which streamlines the permitting processes for power projects. The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EVOSS Act was then signed by Energy Secretary Cusi on 28 May 2019, which serves as the EVOSS policy framework.
Mr. Renan Escoto Environmental Management Specialist of Iloilo City made a testimony that, “Iloilo City was present from the inception of the power project and the people benefited from all the sacrifices that we made. Now, we are reaping the fruits of our labor.”
Present in the event were DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Assistant Director Irma C. Exconde, Renewable Energy Management Bureau Assistant Director Marissa P. Cerezo and Visayas Field Office OIC-Director Jose Rey D. Maleza. Representatives from LGUs, ECs, energy developers, and the region’s constituents were also in attendance.
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