DOE campaigns for alternative fuels, energy
technologies in Bislig City
BISLIG CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) – The Department of
Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA),
conducts a Forum on Alternative Fuels and Energy Technology (AFET) to create
greater awareness and appreciation of the importance of cleaner alternative
energy fuels and technologies and efficient utilization of energy.
The key initiatives under this program are the
implementation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC)
campaign/consultations and promotion of Energy Sector Innovation. This aims to
reduce the country’s dependence on imported oil by providing energy consumers
with alternative and advance energy technologies and more environment-friendly
fuel options aside from conventional fuels, such as, gasoline and diesel.
In his message, Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro
said that the advocacy campaign of DOE is very timely as the city is fast
tracking its goal to be the center of organic agriculture in 2020, hence, the
use also of alternative fuels as best resource for a cleaner environment.
“In fact, we are also preparing for the hosting of
the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM),
International Organic Forum, First Declaration of Asian Organic Day, and the
Asian Local Government for Organic Agriculture (ALGOA) Summit in September
2018. And this AFET Forum is very relevant in particular to our advocacies,” said
Navarro.
Navarro also underscored how its local government
helped in the mitigation of climate change/global warming through its programs
and projects that are focused on the utilization organic resources.
Meanwhile, Virgilio Arzadon, senior science research
specialist of the Department of Energy (DOE) Mindanao Field Office reiterated
that the department is mandated by Republic Act (RA) no. 7638, otherwise known
as Department of Energy Act of 1992, to prepare, integrate, coordinate,
supervise and control all plans, programs, projects and activities of the
government relative to energy exploration, development, utilization,
distribution and conservation.
Sharing the DOE functions, Arzadon stressed that in
partnership with the different stakeholders, the department shall improve the
quality of life of the Filipino by formulating and implementing policies and
programs to ensure sustainable, stable, secure, sufficient, and accessible
energy. He added that in pursuit of this mission, they commit to render efficient
service with utmost integrity and professionalism.
“We seek to promote judicious conservation,
renewal, and efficient utilization of energy, and also to ensure a continuous,
adequate and economic supply of energy,” said Arzadon.
In advancing the Alternative Fuels Program, DOE
Senior Science research Specialist Roselle Ibuna also enumerated the AutoLPG
for Transport program, locally sourced natural gas as fuel, and electric
vehicles program.
“One of our objectives is to create a long term benefit
to the people and the environment through the use of alternative fuels. That’s
why we are mainstreaming and encouraging the public to apply AFET,” emphasized
Ibuna.
On the part of PIA, Dr. Emelyn Libunao, Program and
Management Division staff director, briefed the participants on the role of the
agency in the DOE's campaign on AFET being the communication arm of the
government. She emphasized the importance of advocating alternative fuels,
which is contributory to national development.
“When people are aware, informed and have access on
the opportunities, programs and services of the government, they become
empowered,” underlined Libunao.
Moreover, the AFET roadmap envisions the successful
adoption and commercialization of alternative fuels and energy technologies
through strong and collaborative partnership with the private sector and full
government support in providing enabling mechanism and building-up local capacity
for research and development in emerging energy technologies.
The forum was participated by students,
representatives from transport/drivers/operators sector, barangay officials,
government information officers and local government staff, and personnel from
academe. (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)
