The Department of Energy is taking steps to achieve energy sustainability, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.
“All options in power sourcing should be considered, including the possibility of tapping nuclear energy in the future,” Cusi, who was in Bacolod City on May 13, said.
Cusi met with Mayor Evelio Leonardia and other city officials, as well as barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials in Bacolod.
In their meeting, Cusi discussed the proposed utilization of renewable energy including nuclear energy in the Philippines and Duterte’s take on the West Philippine Sea issue.
He said the DOE is committed to fully implementing Republic Act 9513, or the “Renewable Energy Act of 2008”, that promotes the development of the country’s renewable resources geared towards energy sustainability.
Cusi said the current administration puts premium on the provision of quality, reliable, adequate, secure, and reasonably priced energy by looking at all possible resources that the country can utilize to achieve industrialization goals.
He added that the DOE supports the President’s pronouncements to ensure the safe utilization of all energy sources, especially with the renewed interest in nuclear energy technology.
ENERGY SOURCES
“This is why the DOE is looking at developing all possible energy sources, including nuclear, to help the Philippines become energy secure,” he added.
Cusi also said that the DOE is prepared to take steps for the preservation of the country’s resources in the West Philippine Sea.
The national government is prepared to assert the country’s sovereign rights over oil and other resources in the West Philippine Sea should any foreign power engage in petroleum-related activities there, he said.
Cusi also encouraged Bacolodnons to help the President win against Covid-19 by following health protocols, like wearing of face masks and observing social distancing, a press release from the city said.
Meanwhile, Councilor Ayesha Villaflor appealed for the conduct of seminars that will train SK officials on how to utilize their budget in accordance with law and other related rules.
Villaflor said that the SK wants to have financial independence, so that they can initiate more projects and not violate Commission on Audit rules along the process.
Joining the meeting were DOE Undersecretary Donato Marcos, Undersecretary Astravel Pimentel Naik – executive director the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Admiral Reuben Lista – president and chief executive officer of the Philippine National Oil Company, lawyer Melvin Matibag – president and CEO of the National Transmission Corp., and lawyer Redentor Tuazon, TransCo chief of staff. Also present were City Administrator Em Ang, executive assistant George Zulueta, Ceneco Board president Jojit Yap, and Ceneco director Antonino Panique.*
