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MANDAUE CITY, CEBU – The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) hosted the 54th Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Expert Group on Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EGEEw&C 54) on 23-25 September at Bai Hotel, Mandaue City, Cebu. Mr. Vy Ek Chin of Hong Kong and Assistant Director Jesus C. Anunciacion of the DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) served as Chair and Co-Chair of the Meeting.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said, “Let us make Energy Efficiency and Conservation our way of life. We have to raise the level of awareness of the people and instill the values on the efficient use of energy so that we may maximize the utilization of our resources properly so that the next generation may have brighter future”.
The gathering aims to convene all the APEC member economies and the APEC Expert Group on Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EGEE&C) to have a productive discourse on energy efficiency and conservation initiatives under the umbrella of the APEC energy cooperation. International Copper Association (ICA), Expert Group on Energy Data and Analysis (EGEDA), and Asia-Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC) were also present as resource speakers.
During the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Vy Ek Chin stated that energy efficiency and conservation is a crucial part of a sound energy plan and every APEC member economy is encouraged to manage their energy use more efficiently. He also highlighted the funding mechanism available within the Cooperation to aid the member economies with their projects and initiatives relating to energy efficiency and conservation. Lastly, he stressed the need to transition to energy efficient economy through a cohesive and multilateral energy cooperation amidst all economic, political, social, and environmental diversity across the APEC region.
The outcome of the discussion will be reported by the Philippine DOE in October 2019 during the 58th Meeting of the APEC Energy Working Group (EWG 58) towards the finalization of the APEC Post 2020 Vision. The report will then be endorsed by the APEC Leaders in November during the APEC Summit.
Members of the Philippine DOE Delegation include Mr. Artemio P. Habitan of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Division and Ms. Lilian C. Fernandez of the Energy Cooperation and Coordination Division.
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