AmCham Mindanao holds energy forum
The American Chamber Of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. Mindanao (AmCham Mindanao) held an energy forum last July 19, 2019 at the Regus Davao, Felcris Centrale, along Quimpo Boulevard.
The forum, organized by AmCham Mindanao’s director Rossano C. Luga, featured two speakers.
The first speaker was Engr. Redentor E. Delola, currently assistant secretary for Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (Power Bureau) of the Department of Energy.
Delola presented DOE’s programs on energy security, environmental sustainability and energy equity. Its roadmap covers eight energy sector strategic directions as follows: ensure energy security; expand energy access; promote a low carbon future; strengthen collaboration among all government agencies involved in energy; implement, monitor and integrate sectoral and technological road maps and action plans; advocate the passage of the department’s legislative agenda; strengthen consumer welfare and protection; and foster stronger international relations and partnerships.
“Uplifting the Filipino lives through the government’s sustainable energy programs is such a long road to success. But, I’m happy to report DOE is gaining a lot traction with the cooperation of the energy firms in the country,” said Delola.
Rodger S. Velasco, chief operating officer of the Davao Light & Power Co., presented his report, “Power Outlook: A Brighter Mindanao.” He showed two scenarios in Mindanao with a striking difference from each other.
First, a picture of Davao’s sad fate when it went reeling due to four to five hours of power outages in 2016. In stark contrast is the power glut enjoyed by the island nowadays.
According to Velasco, things have changed dramatically in the past few years. Massive investments from the private sector, alongside support from the national and local governments allowed for a buildup of capacity that resulted in a huge surplus of power.
AmCham Mindanao president Leoncio P. Villa-Abrille was pleased with the successful turnout of the event. “I’m glad we had a tandem of high caliber speakers and numerous guests with two executives coming all the way from Cebu and Makati,” commented Villa-Abrille.
Diplomatic personalities in Davao City have been organizing the showing of films from their respective countries, which is a way of showing their culture to the Filipinos and broaden our learning of their ways.
Just this Aug. 20, 2019, we were given the chance to view Julia, one of the films featured in Cine Español En Davao, a Spanish contemporary film cycle in Davao shown at Cinematheque Centre Davao.
Javier Galvan, the director of Instituto Cervantes, gave the official opening remarks right before the screening.
Natividad Rodriguez Fortich was present to welcome the guests.