The Department of Energy (DOE) has sought transparency and efficient processing of energy projects through active collaboration with local government units (LGUs).
In a statement on Thursday, March 13, the DOE said it is ramping up its efforts to streamline permitting processes to attract investments in energy developments by creating a standardized energy infrastructure ordinance template.
According to the DOE, Iloilo province is set as the pilot area for the initiative, which “aims to establish a uniform framework that simplifies approval procedures, minimizes delays, and ensures a transparent and consistent regulatory approach across local governments.”
The ordinance template is aligned with national policies like the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) Act and the green lane for strategic investments.
The DOE cited that Iloilo is currently hosting three existing renewable energy (RE) projects, namely the 4.5 megawatts (MW) Cosmo solar power project of Cosmo Solar Energy, Inc. the 0.92 MW Gaisano Iloilo solar rooftop of EDC Siklab Power Corp., and the 15 MW CASA biomass of Central Azucarera de San Antonio, Inc.
Iloilo is also anticipating 26 more projects, as four of them have committed, 15 are indicative, and seven have the potential to push through.
“This initiative is expected to accelerate the realization of clean energy investments, further strengthening the region’s contribution to the country’s energy transition goals,” the DOE stated.
Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin, alongside officials from the DOE’s Investment Promotions Office (IPO), Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB), and Legal and Financial Services, led joint efforts with LGUs.
“By working closely with LGUs, we enhance regulatory transparency, improve coordination, and streamline approval processes,” Garin said.
“These efforts not only facilitate faster project implementation but also reinforce the government's commitment to strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure and advancing sustainability initiatives," she added.
Furthermore, the DOE has conducted similar consultations and site visits in other provinces, namely Batangas, Rizal, Ilocos Norte, and Pangasinan, in an attempt to boost regulatory efficiency and facilitate investments in the energy sector.
The DOE is also working on other government partnerships with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for an effective execution of the country’s energy projects.