The United States government has allocated P65 million in grants to the Philippines to boost energy security and support conservation efforts in Cagayan and Isabela, two provinces eyed as future sites of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
In a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said the grants will support local energy planning and the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar roofing and nano generators, in the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan.
“With greater energy access, Cagayan and Isabela’s remote communities can better prepare for and recover from natural disasters,” the embassy said.
“Communities surrounding the EDCA sites in Lal-lo and Santa Ana will also benefit from the grants,” it added.
The grants were awarded during the recent visit to the Philippines of USAID) assistant administrator for Asia Michael Schiffer from June 15 to 18.
In supporting the provinces’ efforts for energy security, Schiffer said the US government “understands that energy is the foundation for systems such as banking, telecommunications, digital platforms, health, education, and transport, among other services.”
“We look forward to partnering with the Philippines to provide greater access to sustainable energy in remote communities, increasing prosperity for families across the country,” he added. Rey E. Requejo