As a country rich in natural resources that are crucial in developing clean and renewable energy, the Philippines is considered a global leader in renewable energy usage.
According to Energy Tracker Asia, over 47 percent of the country’s total energy use comes from green sources.
The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for every country in the world to take action toward a sustainable planet and society. One of these goals is to ensure everyone has access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
Renewable energy usage is very relevant, especially today when the world is facing a global energy crisis caused by labor shortages, disputes, the effects of climate change, and other economic factors, such as inflation and rising gas prices.
Several local groups in the Philippines play a role in advocating and supporting the use of clean energy in the country. Their continuous efforts raise awareness and encourage the public to transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC)
Formed in 1998, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a Philippine-based international non-governmental organization that promotes fair climate policy as well as low-carbon and climate-resilient development, particularly in Asia. The organization is recognized for its work in advancing effective global climate action and the Paris climate agreement.
It began as the Green Renewable Independent Power Producer (GRIPP), a sustainable energy solutions initiative that owes its history to defeating the construction of a coal-fired power plant in the town of Pulupandan, Negros Occidental and pushing the province of Negros Occidental to pursue 100 percent development of renewable energy.
Since then, the ICSC has organized numerous projects and initiatives such as their e-jeepney project and a book on climate change titled Agam, which received numerous awards, including the 2015 National Book Award for Anthology in English and two Gintong Aklat Awards for Design and English Literature from the Book Development Association of the Philippines.
Light of Hope PH
Based in Cebu, Light of Hope PH is a grassroots movement that advocates lessening climate change through public awareness of the importance of fighting against its effects, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy, and making clean energy more affordable and accessible for underprivileged citizens.
One of their main projects, the Cloudgrid project, aims to provide power to less privileged, off-the-grid communities that are not connected to a power grid using clean and renewable energy. The project’s target milestone is to serve more than 1,000 household beneficiaries and reduce 130,000 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per year, which is equivalent to planting 6,190 fully-grown trees. It is mostly funded by monetary donations from donors and volunteers
Light of Hope PH’s work has been recognized by international organizations such as the British Council and has received the 2020 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Philippines YOUnified Award from the United States Embassy in the Philippines in the Environment category.
Greenpeace Philippines
Founded in 1971, Greenpeace is an “independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment, and to promote peace.”
Its story began in 1971 when a group of individuals protested against US nuclear testing off the west coast of Alaska. Because the Greenpeace activists had protested in a peaceful and non-violent way, they had set an example that thousands soon followed.
The organization focuses on exposing environmental criminals and challenging government corporations that fail to meet their mandates to protect the environment and people’s future.
Greenpeace Philippines began working in the country in the 1990s, and by March 1, 2000, they finally opened an office in Manila “following the first visit of our flagship Rainbow Warrior to the region for the ‘Toxic-Free Asia Tour.’”
Since then, Greenpeace Philippines has been working with its allies and communities to create environmental investigations, scientific research, and reports for a better and sustainable future for Filipinos. The organization also assists Filipinos in combating illegal fishing, campaigning for cleaner seas and climate justice, and calling for the elimination of toxic environments.
Greenpeace Philippines also takes pride in its volunteers and fundraising. They emphasize that they are an independent organization that does not accept donations from governments and corporations, but only through donations from passionate individuals.
Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines
The Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines (REAP) was formed in 1985 as a “non-stock, non-profit organization of companies and private individuals committed to the nationwide development, promotion, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy technologies/systems for sustainable energy generation.”
REAP’s mission is to create a platform for private sectors to discuss ideas, perspectives, and expertise about renewable energy systems and to grow an environment of “unity and cooperation conducive to the long-term development of renewable energy.”
Their vision is to be the leading organization in an industry that deals with critical national development issues.
Some private companies also share the responsibility of promoting green energy to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Some notable brands include San Miguel Corporation, Global Power, Aboitiz Power, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Meralco, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), FirstGen, and Alsons Power.
All these local organizations have been aiming and planning proper resources to help give the Filipinos a greener and better future.
What all of these local organizations have in common is that they all plan to both help and hold the government accountable when it comes to the country’s renewable energy.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has always been vocal about the effects of climate change. In his first State Of the Nation Address (SONA), he stated that increasing the usage of renewable energy is at the very top of his climate agenda. He also stressed the importance of investing in science and technology to help save lives.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has recently made significant advances toward developing the country’s renewable energy. It is currently revising the rules and regulations of the country’s renewable energy law in order to encourage investment in the sector by lowering the foreign ownership limit.
The DOE also intends to increase renewable energy’s share of the country’s power generation mix from 22 to 35 percent by 2030 and by 50 percent by 2040.
A future reliant on green energy is not far from fruition. Proper implementation in the Philippines requires more than just the efforts of the government. Luckily, private organizations and companies are also taking on the responsibility of securing a safe and sustainable future for all.