In a significant milestone towards sustainable development, the Advancing Sustainable Provincial Investments for Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) project hosted a pivotal two-day workshop on November 25-26, 2024, at the Metro Centre Hotel in Tagbilaran City. The workshop focused on drafting the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Bohol Renewable Energy Code.
The two-day event, spearheaded by the Bohol Association of Non-Government Organization, Inc. (BANGON) and the Provincial Government of Bohol, brought together key stakeholders from Government Offices, Civil Society Organizations, Energy Champions, and Industry Experts to collaboratively develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for implementing the Bohol Renewable Energy Code.
Mr. Francis Bernard Batoy, President of BANGON, Inc. kicked off the activity with a welcome address, setting the tone for a collaborative and forward-thinking session. Ms. Jovencia B. Ganub from the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office outlined the rationale and objectives, emphasizing the critical importance of sustainable energy development.
Mr. Juswe G. Saligan from the Provincial Planning and Development Office presented the province’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, which highlighted environmental sustainability as a core component of Bohol’s Development Agenda. The roadmap encompasses key areas including Environmental Sustainability, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Sustainable Tourism, Entrepreneurship, Human Capital/Workforce, Governance, Infrastructure and Utilities, Health and Social Services, and Information and Communication Technologies.
Atty. Lawrence Uy from the Provincial Legal Office presented the Salient Features of the Bohol Renewable Energy Code, particularly the provisions on investment promotion and defining clear institutional responsibilities of the Bohol Renewable Energy Board.
Hon. Jiselle Rae A. Villamor, Board Member of the 2nd District of Bohol, the author of the Bohol Renewable Energy Code, and a staunch advocate for renewable energy, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort made by BANGON and the Provincial Government of Bohol, noting that while the journey towards renewable energy implementation is long, this activity represents a significant milestone for Bohol.
Drawing inspiration from Iloilo’s successful renewable energy initiatives, Hon. Rolando ‘’Rolly’’ B. Distura, Board Member of the 4th District of the Province of Iloilo and Iloilo’s Energy Champion, shared valuable insights from Iloilo’s renewable energy journey including the establishment of a dedicated energy and conservation team and the development of a comprehensive provincial renewable energy plan. His presentation also underscored the importance of institutional arrangements, continuous capacity building, and strong leadership in driving sustainable energy transformation.
Under the adept guidance of Ms. Gaynor Tanyang from Lumina Ventures, participants actively collaborated to develop the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Working in focused groups, they meticulously examined each provision of the code, building upon insights gathered from previous consultations. The technical expertise of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) team—including Mr. Jhun Escobar, Ms. Nina Agustin, Mr. Charles Diaz, and Ms. Rebecca Cruz—proved instrumental in providing critical support and nuanced perspectives throughout the workshop deliberations and detailed provision discussions.
The two-day workshop concluded with a sense of optimism and commitment. Atty. Lawrence Uy, representing the Provincial Legal Office, expressed hope that the drafted IRR would be thoroughly reviewed and approved, marking a significant step forward in Bohol’s sustainable energy transformation. This collaborative effort represents more than just a technical exercise; it symbolizes Bohol’s commitment to a sustainable, clean energy future.
-BANGON, Inc.
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