UK, Iloilo eye stronger partnerships in renewable energy, climate change
By Tara Yap
ILOILO Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and British Embassy Political Counselor Bowes. (Iloilo Capitol PIO)
ILOILO CITY — The United Kingdom is eyeing stronger ties with Iloilo in renewable energy and climate change adaptation programs.
“There are discussions already about how UK expertise can help climate adaptation and renewable energy, particularly for agriculture,” said Andrew Bowes, political counselor of the British Embassy in Manila.
Bowes said Iloilo might qualify for the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT), a UK-government funded program that “supports countries that strive to overcome barriers to clean growth and have high emissions reduction potential to accelerate their climate change mitigation efforts.”
Bowes also discussed in meetings with Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. and Mayor Raisa Treñas here other key areas, including economic, tourism, education, and infrastructure development.
Bowes' discussions in Iloilo aim to strengthen partnerships outside of Metro Manila as the UK and the Philippines mark their 80th year of diplomatic relations.
UK ties in Iloilo are beyond 80 years.
British vice consul Nicholas Loney played a key role in opening Western Visayas region to global trade in the mid-1850s.
Considered as the country’s “Father of Sugar Industry," Loney was able to push the modernization of the sugar industry of Iloilo and Negros Island that eventually led to sugar exportation via the Port of Iloilo.
Bowes also attended the Visayas leg caravan of the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) that the British Embassy supports.