Case Project PH brings ‘Road to Renewables: Conversations on Energy Transition’ to Iloilo

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By Artchil B. Fernandez

The Iloilo Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office–Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk (PGENRO-EEC Desk), in partnership with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) and the Department of Energy (DOE), held a four-day workshop on energy transition from Aug. 19 to 22, 2025, at Richmonde Hotel, Iloilo City.

Titled “Road to Renewables: Conversations on Energy Transition,” the event was part of the Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) Project.

The workshop aimed to promote localized implementation of the Philippine energy transition by clarifying the roles of local government units (LGUs), civil society, the academe, and the private sector.

It also sought to foster collaboration between local and national actors—including government agencies, renewable energy (RE) developers, and financial institutions—and to identify challenges and co-create solutions focused on decentralization, financing, and community engagement.

Participants included representatives from LGUs in Iloilo, RE developers, banks, academia, media, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Each day featured a distinct theme: Day 1 focused on “Localizing the Energy Transition: Building Future-Ready and Climate-Resilient Communities.”

Day 2 tackled “Mobilizing Private Capital for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition,” while Day 3 featured a media “Kapihan” session.

Day 4 emphasized “Awareness to Action: Empowering Civil Societies and Academe for a Just Energy Transition.”

Speakers included Iloilo Board Member and provincial energy champion Rolando “Rolly” B. Distura; Atty. Marissa Cerezo, Director IV of DOE–REMB; Roberto Emilio Hernandez, ICSC Director for Energy Policy; and Edward Neri, Officer-in-Charge of the DOE–REMB Solar Energy Management Division.

Other presenters were Rowena Grace M. Cudia of the DOE Investment Promotion Office; ICSC Energy Transition Advisor Alberto Dalusung III; ICSC Senior Data Analyst Charles Jason Diaz; and ICSC Partnership and Advocacy Advisor Francis Dela Cruz.

The program also featured EnP Juvelyn B. Pamonag from NEDA Region VI, BDO VP and Sustainability Head Maria Garin-Alvarez, DBP Senior Assistant VP Jessica Juanico, and Alvin Prado of Climate Smart Ventures.

Academics and research leaders such as MMSU University Research Associate Jason Cariaga, NISU-AREC Director Dr. Joey Dela Cruz, and PJ Sotto of the Global Wind Energy Council contributed to the discussions.