Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson launched Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson at the SecuRE Negros launching.*Capitol PIO photo SecuRE Negros campaign to address the climate and energy crises by ensuring power security with renewable energy in Negros Occidental at the Social Hall of the Capitol in Bacolod City on Monday, February 5.
The three bishops of Negros Occidental in response issued a collegial statement in support of the provincial government’s SecuRE Negros campaign, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said.
Alminaza, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon and Kabankalan Bishop Louie Galbines, in their collegial statement, said they are giving their united support because the campaign “aims to ensure the just energy transition and increase the energy security of the province of Negros Occidental”.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in establishing a renewable energy roadmap for Negros Occidental, they said.
“We recognize the urgency of addressing environmental degradation and the adverse effects of climate change, which disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable among us,” the bishops said.
”The transition to renewable energy is not only an environmental imperative but also a moral one…
by supporting the SecuRE Program, we are advocating for policies that prioritize the common good, respect for human dignity, and the promotion of a more equitable society,” they added.
They pledged to work alongside the provincial government, local communities, and all stakeholders in the implementation of the SecuRE Negros Program, and called on the faithful to do the same.
The SecuRE Negros campaign signifies Negros Occidental’s steadfast commitment to securing its energy future through the transformative power of renewable energy, a statement from the Capitol said.
Focused on establishing reliable energy systems, the campaign aims not only to champion accessibility, affordability, and sustainability but also to ensure power security in the face of global challenges, it added.
The campaign underscores the economic, political, and environmental advantages of transitioning to distributed energy systems (DES) using renewable energy sources, the statement said.
Technologically and financially feasible and environmentally responsible, renewable energy attracts investments, lowers long-term energy costs, and fosters job creation, contributing to the province’s economic growth, it said.
The shift to cleaner energy sources catalyzes innovation in related industries, fostering economic diversification and growth, it added.
Lacson highlighted the importance of government commitment and policies, stating, “The road may be long, but it will be bright if we all work together to make our province truly the renewable energy capital of the Philippines.”
Negros Occidental, already a top producer of solar electricity in the country, can become a model for sustainable energy practices. The province hosts five solar power firms operating six plants, with the Solar Farm in Cadiz City being Southeast Asia’s largest solar farm, generating a remarkable 132.5 MW of power, the statement said.
The SecuRE Negros campaign leverages multi-stakeholder engagement strategies for a just transition, emphasizing that the adoption of renewable energy empowers all stakeholders in the province. This is both an investment in future generations and an express commitment to climate action, mitigating the impacts of the climate and energy crises, the statement added.
The official campaign logo was unveiled at the launch event, symbolizing the province’s dedication to a sustainable and resilient energy future. The logo reflects the essence of SecuRE Negros and its commitment to renewable energy practices, ensuring power security for generations to come, it said.
To increase public support for the provincial government’s policy and programs on renewable energy, SecuRE Negros calls for a whole-of-society approach. Stakeholders, including the general public, financing institutions, power producers, distribution utilities, national government agencies, and local governments, are encouraged to participate actively in this transformative journey, the statement said.*