Ligao City Leads the Race in Rapid Shift to Clean Energy

Albay, Philippines — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), a national movement advocating for climate justice and just transition, and the Albay RE Network, a local renewable energy alliance advancing the province’s ambition to a rapid transition to 100% renewable energy and promote the Albay RE Roadmap, highly commend the city government of Ligao for its strong and determined push towards clean and renewable energy following the successful installation of solar panels and battery systems in all of its 55 barangay halls.

This initiative, ably led by Mayor Fernando Vallejo "Nando" Gonzalez despite Ligao City’s limited budget, represents a major step in providing clear direction as a response to the worsening climate crisis and intermittent power supply in the province.

Tet C. Triunfante, co-convenor of the Albay RE Network and Executive Director of Mayon Integrated Development Alternatives and Services (MIDAS),  said, "The leadership shown by Mayor Gonzales is a trailblazer, and we expect many local government units to follow suit." This was in reaction to Mayor Gonzalez's statement that Ligao City is gearing to transition to clean energy as part of its broader commitment to disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, and strong public services.

Although the province has a large renewable geothermal energy source, the local distribution utility, Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO), mainly sources its supply from coal-fired power plants. According to scientific studies, coal,  along with other fossil fuels, is the main culprit of greenhouse gas emissions, which drive the rise in global temperatures, causing climate change.

According to Larry M. Pascua, senior energy program officer of PMCJ and part of the secretariat of the Albay Renewable Energy and Investment Summit (AREIS) held on September 27-28, 2024 at the Oriental Hotel, “The AREIS initiated by the Province of Albay has opened huge opportunities, as evidenced by two wind energy projects, in Ligao City and the Municipal of Pio Duran with a combined capacity of 200 megawatts, in addition to solar and hydro potentials that can produce another 300 megawatts. This is proof that Albay will lead the country’s energy transformation towards clean energy.”

Pascua added, "Let's help each other contribute to a meaningful solution to the climate crisis, develop our national energy security, and improve ALECO's services. Under the leadership of Mayor Gonzalez and the new provincial government led by Gov. Noel Rosal, as well as other like-minded local officials, we will surely be able to make a difference." ##

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FOR INQUIRIES:

Eugene Escario

Bicol Region for Energy Transition Head

Philippine Movement for Climate Justice

+63 917 166 0072