MANILA, February 23, 2013-Senator Edgardo J. Angara underscored the need to bring Renewable Energy (RE) directly to consumers who need alternative sources of electricity: the fisherfolk, farmers and those living in distant areas still not connected to the national power grid.
During his keynote speech at the German-Philippine Policy Dialogue on Renewable Energy held last week, Angara explained that the government’s continuous support of RE is vital in helping these communities become self-sufficient.
Since the Renewable Energy Act was passed in 2008, which Angara authored and sponsored, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has received scores of project proposals for utilizing sustainable energy sources with very little carbon footprint. These proposals range from small and micro enterprises to big ventures that will produce significant amounts of electricity.
The emphasis now, said Angara, is on bringing production of these initiatives to the small scale developers by providing funding through loans and grants.
According to Angara, one way to support small farming and fishing communities is by providing them with electricity through RE projects that will help them with processing and preserving their crops. Lack of electricity in remote communities increase post-harvest loss and decrease profits, he explained.
“Rapid developments have lowered the costs of RE technology, which boosts the viability of widespread RE initiatives across the country. Continuous research and development from both the government and private institutions can lower these costs further so that small-scale projects can be undertaken by those in rural areas,” said Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
Moreover, firsthand use of this technology would make RE into a viable alternative to traditional power sources. “More people would learn to appreciate the value of RE in their day-to-day lives,” he said. (Rikka Sotto)
