TAGUIG CITY—Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi this morning called on the employees of the Department of Energy (DOE) to “be better and do better” in 2021 as the organization continues to serve the public and its stakeholders amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his remarks at the first DOE flag raising ceremony for the year held at the DOE gymnasium, Secretary Cusi further challenged the employees to “give back better” to the keep the “bayanihan” spirit alive among each one of us. The event was also aired live via Microsoft Teams and Facebook for those employees who are on a Work-From-Home (WFH) scheme.
“One thing that made us survive 2020 was our bayanihan spirit. And I think that is the same thing that will keep us floating in 2021,” Secretary Cusi pointed out.
“We do our jobs well so that others will be able to do their share. And that is what the DOE, the DOE family, and our industry players did in 2020,” he said, recalling that when the pandemic hit the country, the DOE family made sure that energy, power and petroleum will have continuous supply so that our frontliners will be able to do their jobs efficiently.
He also emphasized the need for the DOE to continue to do its share to ensure that “the supply of oil, petroleum, and power remained available, constant, and reliable throughout the natural calamities and the pandemic last year”. He added that for 2021, “the mandate is to reduce power rate costs and to provide a more robust, stable and dynamic supply mix with emphasis on indigenous and renewable energy.”
The Department has been at the forefront of pushing for renewable energy sources while at the same time, opening the West Philippine Sea for exploration and joint development for investors. Secretary Cusi also opened geothermal energy development to foreign investors and imposed a moratorium on greenfield coal power projects.
The energy chief thanked the DOE personnel for the support they have extended to him and the leadership team, saying their support enabled him to effectively perform his job and made a responsive and active organization out of the DOE.
“Bilang Kawani ng gobyerno, marami pang umaasa sa atin. So, gawin po natin ang tamang paglilingkod sa bayan. Huwag po nating kalilimutan, bilang DOE, may umaasa po sa atin. They are hoping that we will be able to deliver and work for affordable energy that is sustainable, a secured future and access to energy by all,” Secretary Cusi stressed.
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