The United States has provided the Philippines P65 million worth of grants to ensure energy security and support conservation efforts of two Philippine provinces hosting some of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites.
According to the US Embassy in Manila, the grants will support local energy planning and the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar roofing and nano generators, in the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan.
“With greater energy access, Cagayan and Isabela’s remote communities can better prepare for and recover from natural disasters,” the embassy said.
“Communities surrounding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in Lal-lo and Santa Ana will also benefit from the grants,” it added.
The grants were awarded during the recent visit to the Philippines of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer from June 15 to 18.
In supporting the provinces’ efforts for energy security, Schiffer said the US government “understands that energy is the foundation for systems such as banking, telecommunications, digital platforms, health, education, and transport, among other services.”
“We look forward to partnering with the Philippines to provide greater access to sustainable energy in remote communities, increasing prosperity for families across the country,” he added.