By Roy Mabasa
The European Union on Thursday signed seven new contracts with various civil society organisations, cooperatives, regional and local authorities, corporate social responsibility institutions and universities to provide clean energy to 40,000 households in the Philippines.
In a statement, the EU said the projects will contribute to the implementation of the Department of Energy's objective to reach 100% of electrification in 2020.
EU’s total contribution to these projects amounts to € 21 million and is part of the broader Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU-ASEP) that aims to support the electrification of 100,000 households in the Philippines.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen noted that ASEP, which will last until 2021, will increase the share of renewables in the energy mix to expand access to clean electricity by remote populations and to pursue new energy efficiency strategies.
Those who attended the ceremony representing the different groups and organizations were Martiniano Magdolot of MAHINTANA, Proferio Jabla Jr. of YAMOG, Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ of Ateneo de Manila University, Jose Angelito Palma of Kabang Kalikasan WWF, and Claudia Oriolo, Country Director of Clovek (People in Need) will attend the ceremony.
The seven projects will contribute to electrify remote places and provide income-generating activities to the beneficiary communities, like the improvement of the quality and the value of local crops or the contribution to community- based tourism.