The province of Negros Oriental commemorated its first ever Renewable Energy Day following Governor Roel Ragay Degamo’s Executive Order No. 22-18, establishing the event every 5th of March annually.
The declaration made Negros Oriental the first province in the Philippines to legislate unequivocal support and commitment to renewable energy sources through an annual commemorative event.
This year, Degamo also signed an executive order declaring Negros Oriental as an environment-friendly and clean energy province committed to utilizing only clean and renewable energy sources such as geothermal, hydro, wind and solar, as well as shunning the use of fossil fuels and coal operations in power generation.
The first Renewable Energy Day in Negros Oriental was held at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Complex in Dumaguete City, led by Degamo and the local provincial government.
A highlight of the event was an exhibit of renewable energy players, such as geothermal leader Energy Development Corporation, along with other organizations and proponents of green and sustainable business practices such as organic farming.
Guest speakers gave talks on renewable energy sources and inspirational stories on sustainable living. Special guest Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong graced the occasion and shared her experiences as an advocate of environmental causes. Other guests included representatives from the academe such as Silliman University and Foundation University.
“We hope that with celebrations such as Renewable Energy Day, our humble province serves as a beacon of hope and a shining example to other communities as well as to the entire Philippines that a renewable energy future is possible and extremely beneficial not just for the environment but for us humans,” said Degamo.