British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils and Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez discussed renewable energy and investments for the city during their meeting on Monday, December 5.
The mayor wanted to know if there are opportunities for Bacolod during an upcoming economic briefing in the United Kingdom, she said.
“It’s basically putting British investors and private sector organizations in touch with Bacolod to see whether there is a fit in areas of new joint interest,” Beaufils said.
The ambassador said she hopes to see the mayor again to explore “other opportunities for us to work together” since she will be assigned in the Philippines for four years.
She is trying to get a feel for the place to be a champion for Negros Occidental when she goes home, and to understand how the United Kingdom can add value, Beaufils said.
“I’m in a listening mode,” said the ambassador who was on her first visit to Negros Occidental and Bacolod.
The ambassador also met with officials of the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED), and visited the Talarak Biodiversity Foundation and biomass power plants in the province on Monday.
The biomass power plants, which British investors are involved in, are “an area of potential interest that we’re keen to explore together…whether there is more that can be done on renewable energy and green infrastructure.” she said.
The ambassador said she also met with the UNIFED officials to understand what is happening in the sugar industry.
She noted that there are is a lot of farming and renewable energy potential in Negros Occidental.
“We really are interested in this province and city, we want to understand the people and get to know them,” the ambassador said.
“I’d like the people of Negros to think of the UK as modern, engaging and vibrant, and to tell them that we care about their livelihood, the climate and the environment,” she said.
There are a lot of British companies that are excited in the Philippines and it is good for them to think about Negros, Beaufils said.
“We want to be partners of the Philippines for the long term. We can be a trusted friend and engaging partner,” she said.
She also said the United Kingdom is a maritime power and will continue to stand by the Philippines when it comes to international maritime laws.
The ambassador was also set to meet with civil society organizations, and the British Community in Negros.
Her priorities for discussion were human rights, energy and climate change, and other relevant social issues and concerns.*