THE Department of Energy is now working on a 15-year energy master plan that will help deliver reliable and affordable electricity to sustain local economic growth.

The formulation of Philippine Energy Plan 2016-2030 will pave the way for the development of sectoral energy roadmaps that are critical to ensure energy security and increased energy access, according to DOE secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Prior to issuing the PEP, DOE has conducted consultative meetings with sectoral stakeholders on the issues of a low-carbon future, energy deregulation, electricity pricing, rural electrification, renewable energy development, and energy efficiency and conservation.

“Planning our country’s energy roadmap safeguards our Filipino consumers and our industry participants from any undesirable energy scenarios in the future. It is our job to protect them,” Cusi explained. “Once the plan is finished, it will greatly contribute to the expansion of the country’s economic prospects through the provision of employment opportunities and generation of investments.” (With reports from PDI)

Read more: 15 –year energy master plan in the works

VARIOUS militant groups led by Sanlakas have called on President Rodrigo Duterte to hold developed countries among them the United States accountable for their huge emission of greenhouse gas (GHG), one main factor in climate change.

The militants want the holding of the upcoming 22nd Conference of Parties (COP 22) in Marrakech, Morroco, as the occasion to channel his and the country’s indignation against industrialized countries into a demand for climate justice. 

The COP 22 Forum, convened by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), will serve as a continuing forum to tackle climate change and addressing…

Read more: Militants Want Climate Justice for PH

More than its mandate to protect the environment, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently launched a three-year project that aims to strengthen the capacity to manage the conservation of areas with indigenous people (IPs). 

The project’s $6,776,723 budget was made possible through the assistance of the United Nations Development Program, and the Global Environment Facility. 

The objective is to designate protected areas in a bid to consequently protect also the welfare and livelihood of the IPs.

The project dubbed Strengthening National Systems to Improve Governance and Management of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Conserved Areas…

Read more: US$6-M for protected areas managed by indigenous peoples

NATIONAL Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Deputy Director General Rosemarie Edillon has bared that the Philippines is pursuing a two-track strategy in mitigating the adverse effects of irresponsible mining.

Edillon told the United Nations (UN) Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, during a recent meeting that the Philippine government is working to address mining issues, preserve cultural diversity, and uphold the rights of indigenous peoples, children, women and workers.

The first step is to conduct comprehensive audit of mining sites which is already being done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Another move is the review of…

Read more: Gov’t efforts to address irresponsible mining underway