By Xander Ledesma
Key stakeholders across Negros Occidental pledged their support for the newly launched “SecuRE Negros Energy Development Roadmap,” an ambitious initiative designed to achieve reliable, renewable, and sustainable energy for the province by 2030.
The commitment was sealed through a covenant signed during a summit held at Nature’s Village Hotel in Talisay City, led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer. The event marked the presentation of the province’s Energy Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan, with the acronym RRAAASE-ON 2030 encapsulating the roadmap’s objectives: Reliable, Renewable, Affordable, Available, Accessible, and Sustainable Energy.
“This is the beginning of our collective journey towards a sustainable and energy-secure Negros Occidental,” Lacson said, emphasizing the roadmap’s role in ensuring energy security and positioning the province at the forefront of renewable energy advancements.
Provincial consultant Rafael Coscolluela outlined two major initiatives in Phase 1 of the plan, running from 2024 to 2025. These include passing a Provincial Energy Code to institutionalize and coordinate energy policies and issuing an executive order establishing “SecuRE Negros” as a flagship program. He also proposed creating an Energy Sector Consultative Council and appointing a focal person to oversee the program’s implementation.
The covenant, signed by representatives from power companies, local governments, academic institutions, civil society, and businesses, pledged support for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation measures. Stakeholders committed to advocating for accessible and affordable power while fostering collaboration and community education.
The summit also featured a forum led by Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, covering critical energy topics such as the Energy Virtual One-Stop-Shop Act, renewable energy potentials in Negros, and the responsibilities of local governments in energy sector development.