Campaign for energy efficiency conservation launched in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Energy in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office officially launched yesterday the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Information Campaign: #EnerhiyangAtin “at the SM City Cebu in Cebu City.

As the lead agency in promoting a clean, efficient, robust and sustainable energy system in the country, the DOE spearheads a series of mall interactive activities geared towards engaging Filipinos to promote energy efficiency and conservation.

The information campaign, according to PCCO, aims to educate the public on how to conserve energy and increase the citizen’s awareness on the importance of efficient utilization of energy resources to minimize environmental impacts.

DOE Senior Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella and PCOO Assistant Secretary Atty.  Tristan E. de Guzman led the launch, together with representatives from private sector partners SM Supermalls, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Daikin Industries Philippines, Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation (FELCO), LG Philippines, and Nissan Motor Philippines.

This interactive mall activity is a part of the DOE’s campaign which seeks to transform energy efficiency and conservation as a way of life for Filipinos.

In his speech, Fuentebella said that this #EnerhiyangAtin is the new battle cry of the energy sector after the passage of Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.

He said that DOE’s commitment to ensure the nation’s energy security and sustainability has been one of this government’s trusts.

“The new generation of Filipinos should be conscious of taking care of the environment and its relation to the use of our energy resources. Through utilization and adaptation of energy efficient technologies, we take care of planet Earth,” he said.

He added that energy efficiency is the first step toward achieving the goal of having a sustainable, stable, secure, sufficient, accessible, and reasonably priced energy for all.

De Guzman said that Filipinos can actually save a lot by doing simple things like turning off the lights and unplugging your appliances before leaving the house.

“It is important to practice ways to become energy efficient because by reducing the energy amount required to do certain tasks, you help reduce air and water pollution due to certain energy generation and avoid negative impacts in our ecosystem,” de Guzman added.

Michael Goho, executive vice president of Gateway Motors Cebu, Inc., said that they are excited to be part of the effort raising consumer awareness on energy management and conservation.

“As Nissan’s biggest dealer partner in the country, we always strive to provide vehicles that go beyond mobility to provide cleaner, safer, and more sustainable products. As part of our commitment to this cause, we have the Nissan LEAF, a 100% electric vehicle, with Zero emission and intelligent technology that would give you a more secure and confident drive,” Goho said in his speech.

Goho said that the LEAF has the capability to provide emergency power through its “vehicle-to-Load” technology and together with specialized equipment such as a Power Mover, the LEAF can provide enough energy to power a single house for up to 3 days.

Goho added that when used in disaster situations, the LEAF provides a critical lifeline to those affected and aids rescue efforts in their tasks to provide immediate relief. — LPM (FREEMAN)