07 December 2015
With the Philippines being one of the most vulnerable countries to disasters, the Department of Energy (DOE) is pushing “Energy Resiliency for Sustainable Growth” for the National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM).
On the average, about 19 typhoons hit the Philippines every year, which also consequently bring about flash floods, storm surges, and landslides. The country, which lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, is also prone to earthquakes.
It is in this light that for 2015, the government, through the DOE, is aggressively pursuing the thrust to ensure resiliency of energy systems not only in the Philippines but also among neighboring and trading nations around the world, in international conventions, such as the ASEAN Ministers Energy Meeting in Malaysia, Singapore Energy Week, and the 21st Conference of the Parties in Paris. The DOE also led the hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 12th Energy Ministers’ Meeting (EMM12) held last October 12-14 in Cebu in which member economies committed to build energy resilient communities to sustain growth.
“Calamities do not only impede continuous flow of energy, but have a larger impact to economic growth and stability,” Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said.
In line with the NECM’s theme, the DOE will be hosting a series of activities in line with the NECM: Safety and Health Association of the Philippine Energy Sector (SHAPES) sharing of Best Practices and Awarding Ceremonies 2015 (Dec 3); Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards (Dec 4); Oil and Gas Security Exercise (Dec 7-9); DOE-Gender and Development Energy Toolkit Launch (Dec 9-10); Philippine Electricity Summit 2015 (Dec 11); and the Presentation of Fuel Economy Run Results (Dec 17).
The DOE Field Offices will also hold different activities in various provinces: Calibration Training for LGUs in Bohol (Dec 2-3); Energy 101 for Engineering Students in Bacolod (Dec 8); IECs on Energy Conservation and Forum on Renewable Energy in Negros Occidental (Dec 9); IECs on Students Exposure for Comprehensive on Renewable Energy Technologies and Downstream Oil Industry and Energy Conservation in Davao City (Dec 21).
The DOE attached agencies will also be holding the following activities in support of the NECM: Philippine National Oil Company-Renewable Corporation’s Solar Expo (Dec 4); National Electrification Administration’s EC Milestones and Recognition Ceremony (Dec 2) and the Ceremonial Switch-on for 11 Millionth Consumer Connection (Dec 15). The NECM, an annual month-long celebration in accordance with Proclamation No. 1427, is spearheaded by the DOE. This event aims to increase public awareness on energy related campaigns, activities and programs, strengthening the government’s policy on energy efficiency.