by Stewart C. Ocampo

To jumpstart the development of renewable energy (RE)-based communities, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) together with the Department of Energy (DOE), has launched a comprehensive competency training program for local officials and interest groups in Ilocos Norte.

In a program held yesterday, May 22, at the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) Auditorium, the trainers and participants for the Renewable Energy Executive Competency Training Program (REECTP) were introduced.

The training project under the Development for Renewable Energy Applications Mainstreaming and Market Sustainability Project of MMSU and the DOE aims to enhance the competencies of LGU executives in implementing RE initiatives in their respective communities. It is funded by the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Development Programme.

Key personnel of the MMSU Affiliated Renewable Energy Center (AREC) and faculty members of the Department of Professional Science Masters in Renewable Energy Engineering (PSM-REE) in the MMSU Graduate School (GS) serve as trainers to local and city planning and development officers and engineers.

NBERIC Director Roque Ulep said equipping LGUs in RE governance is instrumental in realizing the university’s goal of promoting bioenergy development “because they are the best drivers of positive change in the localities.”

For her part, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized the contribution of renewable resource on the lives of communities and in preserving the environment. She also urged the trainers and trainees to “take part in advancing programs that would make your towns and cities more sustainable, more resilient, and more livable.”

Expressing support to the development program, DOE Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol thanked MMSU for its commitment in helping the national government champion renewable energy development in the country.

Batac Mayor Albert Chua, Councilor Bismark Angelo Quidang, Balik Scientist Sergio Capareda. Other attendees are MMSU officials, and members of the MMSU Administrative Council graced the event.  

Immediately in the afternoon, the training on LGU executives started with the topics on energy management and renewable energy, energy institutional operation and management, and roles of the energy development worker. These were delivered by Atty. Josefina Patricia Asirit, former commissioner of the Energy Regulatory Commission; Mayor Marcel Pan of Goa, Camarines Sur; and Dr. Edmund Edison Esteban, dean of the MMSU College of Engineering, respectively.

Held both in-person and online, the month-long training program, which will run until June 22, is a significant part in strengthening the mandates of the AREC and PSM-REE program in the university. It is also in line with the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 or RA 9513. (HLY/DPTJ, StratCom)