And solar
Before anything else, please allow me to salud Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier for manning the fort in the past two weeks while Gov. Nestor “Nesting” Espenilla is on medical leave. Gov. Nesting is taking it easy for another two weeks following doctor’s advice to avoid contact from outside world, specifically from pesky journalists like me. In a text message: “A central banker is a natural conservative. Thanks all for not being naughty!” Promised, ain’t misbehaving while you’re on a medical hiatus, Gov. Nesting.
It’s now the turn of Dep. Gov. Diwa Guinigundo to man the fort at BSP.
Another salud goes to former BSP Gov. Amando “Say” Tetangco for being this year’s Asia CEO Lifetime Contributor in the field of Public Sector. He was chosen because, for one, the “impact he had on everyone was profound,” one that market players, movers, and analysts will never forget. Forward looking, Gov. Say spearheaded structural reform measures, which the awardgiving body believed “transformed” the country to where it is right now, the “global center of growth.” Gov. Say never ceases to surprise me. Up until now, 15-months after his retirement, he still rocks!
Asia CEO Awards recognizes top brass in their respective industries, including start-up firms and millennials. And speaking of young leaders, I wonder who will make it this time in this category. I recall one finalist last year was Leandro Leviste, the founder of Solar Philippines. If the name sounds familiar, Leandro is the son of Sen. Loren Legarda with ex-husband former Batangas Gov. Antonio Leviste.
Unlike his parents, Leandro veered away from the political arena, pursuing the innovative field of harnessing solar energy. This 24-yearold millennial caught my attention some months back when his firm, Solar Philippines signed a partnership with mall giant SM for a solarpowered rooftop project, generating 1.5 megawatts of electricity using 5,760 solar panels that can power up 16,000 light fixtures, 59 escalators, and 20 elevators. It was one of the top stories on the front page of major dailies.
Fast-forward to the present. Solar Philippines has evolved. Leandro put up Solar Philippines subsidiary, Solar Para sa Bayan (SPSB), now applying for a congressional franchise. If the franchise is granted, SPSB will benefit millions of Filipinos with electricity at a lower cost. Authored by Deputy House Speaker Arthur Yap, House Bill 8179 imposes strict conditions on SPSB to ensure it is beneficial to consumers. No government subsidy, rate to be approved a by the Energy Regulatory Commission, and prohibiting SPSB from selling or transferring its franchise.
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