ODIONGAN, Romblon—Presidential candidate Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ M. Lacson has raised the possibility of increasing the number of renewable energy sources to electrify off-grid island communities in the country.

Electricity supply issues bother the residents of Tablas Island recently, according to one of the Romblon-based reporters, who interviewed Lacson during his visit in the province to promote his proposed programs of government.

Lacson acknowledged the potential of solar energy and biomass as viable alternative solutions to address the island’s electrification needs, which he plans to deliver by investing more into research and development.

“Kung bubuhusan natin ‘yung research and development like (the) other countries, ‘yung mga scientist natin, mga researcher will not get out of the country, ma-ha-harness nila itong mga ganito, ‘yung solar (power) ," Lacson said.

Lacson emphasized his determination to push for alternative energy solutions is strongly influenced by Republic Act 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which was passed during the 14th Congress to promote, develop, utilize and commercialize clean sources of electricity.

“Meron na tayong Renewable Energy Act. Naipasa na ito. So, kung ganyan... Ang daming incentives doon. Libreng VAT (value added tax) pagka mag-i-invest sa renewable (energy) ,’’ he noted.

Under both the Tax Code and RA 9513, the sale of power generated through renewable energy sources is considered zero-rated, thus no VAT should be passed onto consumers. The decision was made to encourage more investors to venture into renewable energy development projects.

According to Lacson, the Philippines has been relying heavily into coal-fired power plants, covering 57 percent of its total share in the country’s overall energy mix, based on the 2020 data of the Department of Energy (DOE).

This is often more expensive since the Philippines imports at least 65 percent of its coal consumption from other countries. Lacson suggested it might make more sense if we can harness the power of the sun, especially during the dry seasons.

Lacson also aims to tap biomass energy resources as several studies show that the Philippines has an abundant supply of it mostly derived from agricultural crop and forest residues, animal and agro-industrial waste, among other potential sources.