The Department of Energy (DOE), led by Secretary Raphael Lotilla, proudly hosts the ceremonial launch of the Energy Sector Emergency Operations Center (ESEOC) and the symbolic turnover of a miniature Mobile Energy System (MES) at the Energy Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on April 15, 2024.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin delivers the President’s keynote message. Joining him are DOE Secretary Lotilla and Mr. Ryan Washburn, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director to the Philippines.

The event showcases the innovative and sustainable energy management system that provides scalable strategies to enhance resilience and reliability. The ESEOC will enable the DOE to spearhead a coordinated disaster response process and system, offering clear guidance on how key energy partners can prevent or mitigate disruptions in the delivery of essential electricity services to affected areas.
On the other hand, the MES is designed to improve energy access in remote communities and strengthen resilience during natural disasters and cyber threats to power utilities. Its portability and flexibility to be tailored-fit to the users’ needs create a wide base for use across various sectors, including health facilities, education, telecommunications, financial institutions, and commercial and industrial enterprises, as well as off-grid particularly unserved remote communities.

Initiated by the U.S. government through USAID in June 2021, the ‘Energy Secure Philippines’ (ESP) flagship project aims to foster a more competitive, secure and resilient energy sector. This five-year plan is supported by PhP1.6 billion (US34 million) in funding.

Since its inception, the USAID ESP has aided the development and implementation of landmark policies and regulatory frameworks. These DOE-led initiatives include the enhancement of the national energy resilience policy; the successful conduct of green energy auction that increased the country’s renewable energy share by at least 5 gigawatts (GW), primarily through the US6 billion in private investments; the mainstreaming of technology-based data dashboards that promote transparency, facilitate business permit and processes; the deployment of renewable energy powered marine transport; and the improved logistical solutions for food security and cost-efficient solutions for off-grid communities.

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