Support for establishments using ‘green energy’ sought

MANILA, Philippines - An administration lawmaker called for financing programs for establishments and homes seeking to utilize “green energy” to reduce the country’s dependence on imported oil.

Tarlac Rep. Susan Yap underscored the need for establishments and homes to shift to green energy, or “sources of energy that are friendlier to the environment,” as global warming continues to bring unpredictable weather changes, prevalence of storms and a humid environment.

She also noted that Republic Act 9729, or the Climate Change Act of 2009, provides for the formulation of strategies on mitigating greenhouse gases and other causes of climate change.

But since the initial costs of shifting to green energy are not always cheap as it is an investment in itself, there is a need to provide incentives for homes and establishments to make the shift, Yap said.

“This requires more than just appeals to one’s sense of responsibility in caring for the environment. There is a need to cushion the impact of the initial expenses which almost always discourage those who might want to consider green energy,” she explained.

Yap seeks to push House Bill 2896 which aims to establish the Green Energy for Homes and Buildings Program in the Department of Energy to promote residential, commercial and industrial scale energy efficiency and on-site renewable technologies.

In administering the program, the bill directs the secretary of energy to establish eligibility criteria for applicants for financial assistance who can offer financial products and programs consistent with the purpose of the measure.