89% of Filipinos favor renewable energy use

MANILA, Philippines — Nine in every 10 Filipinos support the increased use of renewable energy in the country, according to a recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia.

The survey, conducted from June 15 to 21 with the results released this week, showed that 89 percent of the respondents are in favor of increasing the use of renewable sources of energy such as solar.

Only nine percent said they were not in favor, while the rest refused to answer or said they did not have enough knowledge on the matter to give an opinion.

By geographic region, support for the increased use of renewable energy was highest in Metro Manila (97 percent), followed by Mindanao (90 percent), the rest of Luzon (87 percent) and Visayas (85 percent).

Support for increased use of renewable energy was also high across all socio-economic groups, with 89 percent favorable responses among those in classes D and E, and 83 percent for those who belong in classes ABC.

Except in the Cordillera Administrative Region where support for increased use of renewable energy resources was at 63 percent, respondents from the rest of regions nationwide showed large majorities (70 percent and above) showing support for renewable energy.

The results of the survey were presented during a forum on energy last Monday.

Aside from the question on renewable energy, the survey also asked respondents on their satisfaction on the current prices of electricity and their position on having a new option for an electricity service provider.

The survey showed that 60 percent of respondents were dissatisfied with the current prices of electricity. 

This is highest among those in Metro Manila (84 percent dissatisfied, five percent satisfied), followed by rest of Luzon (66 percent dissatisfied, 18 percent satisfied) and Visayas (50 percent dissatisfied, 36 percent satisfied).

Fifty percent of the respondents from Mindanao said they were satisfied with electricity rates, while 39 percent were dissatisfied.

A large majority of 82 percent respondents across the country said they are in favor of having a new electricity service provider.

Support for a new electricity provider is highest in Metro Manila (88 percent), followed by the Visayas (84 percent), Mindanao (83 percent) and the rest of Luzon (78 percent).