By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte has ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to hasten efforts in reducing the country's dependence on coal and finding alternative sources of energy.
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi
(REUTERS /Romeo Ranoco / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Pesident issued the directive to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Monday.
"We recognize the urgent need to ensure the sustainability and availability of resources and the development of alternative ones," Duterte said in his national address before a joint session of Congress.
"In this regard, I trust that Secretary Cusi shall fast-track also the development of renewable energy sources, and reduce dependence on the traditional energy sources such as coal," he added.
The energy department earlier committed to implement its priority programs in the next three years to help bring accessible, reliable and affordable energy across the country.
The department has also sought to promote a green program that will strengthen the country's renewable energy sector.
According to Cusi, the department is committed to ensure the sustainable implementation of the rules and laws for the security of our energy supply through competition, access to bilateral markets, anti-monopoly measures, least-cost power, and the protection of the environment.