PRODUCTIVE USE OF RE PILOT PROJECTS COMPLETED: Members of the DOE and ASEP-TA family gather for a photo during the "ASEP-TA Phase One Finale" held at Rizal Park Hotel in Manila. Phase one of the ASEP-TA commenced in April 2016 with a program of technical assistance activities in partnership with the DOE. ASEP collaborated with TeaM Energy Foundation, Inc. (TEFI) to successfully complete the productive use of renewable energy projects, which include the RE-powered abaca spindling machines, corn shellers and dryers. 

MANILA - The Technical Assistance (TA) component of the European Union-supported Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU-ASEP) with the theme, “ASEP-TA Phase One Finale: A Retrospective”, capped its three years of implementation on Wednesday (4 September) at the Rizal Park Hotel. 

ASEP is a joint undertaking of the European Union and the Department of Energy (DOE) geared towards providing access to renewable energy for the poor, remote households in the Philippines; enhancing and supporting the energy efficiency initiatives in the energy sector; and capacitating the energy movers in the Energy institutions. These activities were mainly in the area of off-grid rural electrification, energy efficiency and capacity development.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, “The implementation of ASEP-TA’s first phase is our success as a united energy family. Through our combined efforts, we have achieved so much in the past three years, which have gone far in effecting positive change in the lives of our kababayans living in remote areas."

Head of Development Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, Mr. Enrico Strampelli, together with DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella led the event. Meanwhile, guest speakers included Department of Science and Technology’s Undersecretary for Research of Development, Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara; National Economic Development Authority Assistant Secretary, Mr. Roderick Planta; and Team Energy Foundation, Inc. Executive Director, Mr. Ricky De Castro. 

DOE Undersecretary Fuentebella, in his opening remarks, expressed the DOE’s appreciation to the EU for helping the Philippines pursue renewable energy activities that would help ensure equitable energy access, as well as energy conservation and efficiency in the country.

Among the many achievements described were the expert legal assistance provided to the DOE in the preparation of the implementing rules and regulations for the recently-enacted Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, as well as the Productive Uses of Renewable Energy (PURE) pilot projects, two of which were launched in Davao last year, while one was launched in Pangasinan this year. 

Phase one of the ASEP-TA commenced in April 2016 with a program of technical assistance activities in partnership with the DOE. ASEP partnered with TeaM Energy Foundation, Inc. (TEFI) to successfully complete the third PURE project.

To end the symposium, ASEP Team Leader Douglas Liner shared his thoughts on the way forward, “I think ASEP has really achieved a lot over the last three years and put into place the policies, tools and technical examples to promote investment in rural electrification and energy efficiency.  I look forward to the next phase of ASEP where can work with the private sector, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to support a larger scale of activity in these important sectors,” he said. 

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