National Renewable Energy Program is a step towards energy self-sufficiency, says Aquino
President Benigno S. Aquino III formally launched the government's National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) that aims to address the spiraling cost and insufficiencies in the supply of electricity, especially in rural areas, in ceremonies held at the Makati Shangri-la Tuesday.
The NREP contains a framework for action, existing and future measures, instruments and policies for the promotion of renewable energy as well as a roadmap which will guide efforts towards actualizing the market penetration targets of each renewable energy source in the country.
In his speech keynoting the event, the President underscored the importance of renewable energy saying it does more than empower cities, machines and entire industries but also “fuels our movement towards the rebuilding of this nation.”
“Renewable energy will fuel our future,” the President said.
He added that through renewable energy, we will be able to supply the electricity needs of our people at a much lower cost and not at the expense of the environment.
“The National Renewable Energy Program today points us in the right direction in terms of finding long-term and sustainable energy sources. Our launch today is a symbolic first step in our journey towards fulfilling our vision of a Philippines unbound from the vagaries of the world oil market—a Philippines where we can choose not to sacrifice the environment, particularly the air we breathe, just to power our industries,” the President said.
He pointed out that with the NREP in place, the government hopes to achieve the “twin goals of harnessing our renewable energy potential while ensuring that our people’s energy needs are met.”
“With this in mind, the plan is to nearly triple our renewable energy-based capacity from around 5,400 megawatts in 2010 to 15,300 megawatts in 2030,” the President said.
He allayed fears that pursuing renewable energy development would only lead to higher electricity costs saying, “the Department of Energy is confident that, along with the Energy Regulation Commission and the National Renewable Energy Board, the government will be able to keep a watchful eye on these prices to keep an optimum balance between the interests of our consumers and preserving the environment for future generations.”
“What we want is simple: we want to do away with the perception that a cleaner future and affordable power prices are conflicting ideas. Our objective is for our people to experience both. And what we will do is ease into these emerging technologies so that their economic impacts will not cause a shock to our consumers. We want to pave the way for the maturity of our renewable energy sources such that we can provide predictable, affordable, and fair electricity pricing for each and every Filipino,” the President said.
He appealed to the nationalist in every Filipino to join this government effort to ensure its success.
“This is a twenty-year program we are launching, so allow me to appeal to everyone here: be involved – from paying attention to curbing your own carbon footprint, to aspiring to become the next big green entrepreneur. Any way that you can help your country would be welcome assistance as well. What each and every one of you does count,” the President said.
“What we need to do is to fulfill our roles in the collective task of rebuilding this country. The daylight has finally dawned, and it is our duty as Filipinos to make certain we walk under its guidance. I especially invite the youth, who are the future of the Philippines, to join this government and their elders, as we all help make this daylight a continuing reality, so that no smog, no darkness will ever enshroud us again,” he said. (PCOO)
U.S. assures PHL of its support on issues including South China Sea/Spratlys Islands
The United States threw its support for the Philippines claim on the highly contested Spratlys Islands located in the West Philippine Sea.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas issued this declaration in his speech during the formal launch of the government's National Renewable Energy Program at the Makati Shangri-La Tuesday.
Thomas assured the Philippines of his country's support due to the strong bond between the two nations.
“I assure you that on all subjects, the U. S. is with the Philippines. The Philippines and the United States are strategic allies. We are long standing treaty partners. We will continue to consult and work with each other on all issues, including the South China Sea and Spratlys,” Thomas said. (PCOO)
Malacanang condemns murder of Olea, DILG orders investigation of the case
Malacanang said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered an investigation on the killing of Bicol-based anchorman Ramon Olea, who was killed on Monday.
“We view with great seriousness and condemn the cold-blooded murder of reporter and radio commentator Romeo Olea who was killed in Iriga City yesterday morning,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.
“The Department of Interior and Local Government has ordered an investigation for the purpose of identifying, apprehending and charging the culprits.”
Asked by reporters if the police were able to determine whether Olea’s killing is work-related, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said they are still waiting for an update from the investigators.
“Secretary Robredo has just ordered an investigation and hopefully we will have more on this in the coming days. It is our intention to know if the killing is work-related,” she said in a press conference in Malacanang on Tuesday.
Olea, 49, an anchorman of radio dwEB in Nabua, Camarines Sur, were shot dead around 5:52 a.m. Monday while on his way to his office.
Reports said Olea was riding his motorcycle when he was waylaid and shot by still unidentified men. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but he didn’t survive.
Media organizations said the killing of Olea is the sixth under the Aquino administration. Authorities also have an ongoing investigation on the assault against dzRK Radyo ng Bayan anchorman Jerome Tabanganay by Kalinga Gov. Jocel Baac last week. (PCOO)
Aquino receives officials of Hitachi Asia in Malacanang
President Benigno S. Aquino III receives today the officials of Hitachi Asia Limited, a Tokyo-based firm engaged in a wide range of technologies, who called on him at the Yellow Room of the Presidential Guest House.
The top officials who met with the President were Takashi Kawamura, chairman of Hitachi Ltd.; Yukio Toyoshima, general manager, Hitachi Ltd.; Kiyoshi Kinugawa, chief executive for Asia, Hitachi Ltd.; and Hitoshi Goto general manager Hitachi Asia Ltd.
During the call, chairman Kawamura thanked the President for providing assistance to the victims of tsunami and for receiving their courtesy call.
Incorporated in 1996, Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippines Branch (HAS-PH) provides solutions catering to diverse needs of its customers in the Philippines like power generation systems, transmission and distribution systems, heavy industrial equipment, industrial components and equipment as well as elevators and escalators.
Some of HAS-PH’s products and services include Finger Vein Biometric Authentication Systems and Systems Management Solutions (JP1) for businesses. It also supports the sales of Plasma and LCD TVs, and LCD Projectors.
Recently, HAS-PH unveiled a new 3,564-square meter warehouse at the Subic Techno Park in Subic, Zambales, which they viewed as “a bigger and brighter operations for the company” in order to promote operational efficiency to meet the vision towards global competitiveness. (PCOO)
Aquino thanks Supreme Court for allowing live broadcast of Maguindanao massacre trial
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court (SC) for finally allowing the live media coverage of the Maguindanao mass killing trial.
“Tayo po ay nagpapasalamat sa Supreme Court at dininig nila yung kahilingan natin at ng marami pa nating kababayan na i-full coverage itong trial,” the President said in a briefing at Malacanang.
The SC granted petitions seeking the live radio and television coverage of the Maguindanao massacre trial.
“The President noted that the SC decision also gave credence to the capability of the victim’s families who has financial difficulties to support their transportation expenses in order to attend court trials to be conducted at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
The President himself had requested the SC that the Maguindanao massacre trial be conducted “in full public view” to show that “justice can and will be dispensed without fear or favor and in the full light of day.”
In a unanimous vote, the SC ruled that its decision is pro hac vice (for this occasion) which means that it only applies to the Maguindanao massacre trial alone based on the consolidated petitions filed by different media networks and organizations, and a letter of the President to Chief Justice Renato Corona.
The live broadcast of the trial will be presided over by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.
Among the principal accused in the killing of 57 people in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao on November 23, 2009 are former Datu Unsay, Maguindanao Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr.; former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr.; former acting Maguindanao Gov. Sajid Ampatuan; suspended Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan; Akmad Ampatuan; Anwar Ampatuan and 196 others.
Among those killed in what is considered the worst case of political violence in the country were 32 journalists and relatives and supporters of current Maguindanao Governor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu. (PCOO)
Aquino commends DFA for release of Filipino worker kidnapped in Yemen
President Benigno Aquino III commended the Department of Foreign Affairs for working relentlessly for the release of a Filipino engineer kidnapped in Yemen last April.
The President presented Engr. Ramon de Castro to Palace reporters on Tuesday after having a meeting with him at the Palace. De Castro was released last May.
“Tinutukan po nang husto ng DFA ito sa pangunguna ni Secretary del Rosario at ng ambassador natin sa Saudi Arabia at na-effect natin ang successful release to include a Sri Lankan colleague of his that works with the same firm,” the President said in a press conference on Tuesday in Malacanang.
The President said he considers del Rosario as the most hardworking member of his the cabinet, who immediately faced several crisis in the Middle East few months after his appointment at the DFA.
“Even in this particular case, talagang naging innovative yung method in securing his release and we’re really glad that Mr. de Castro was able to reunite with his family. He’s with his family for about a month already,” President Aquino said.
Working on the release of de Castro was difficult because of the absence of a Philippine embassy in Yemen, which has been in the midst of turmoil at this time. The Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia worked for de Castro’s freedom, the President said.
There are 1,600 Filipinos currently working in Yemen, the President said.
De Castro, who has been in the Middle East since 2003, has been kidnapped by a group of Yemeni rebels last April 18. The rebels usually would ask for political demands from the Yemeni government.
De Castro and a Sri Lankan colleague were held for 19 days, eating only bread and consuming little amount of water. He said he was supposed to be beheaded by the rebels but they spared him after the Philippine government sent representatives and his company had cut off power supply in the area.
Asked by reporters how to prevent similar kidnapping incidents, the President said the long-term solution is to provide more local jobs so that Filipinos do not go abroad and take risks.
In the meantime however, he said the DFA and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will work hard to protect the welfare of Filipinos working overseas. The DFA for instance provides regular information from different countries, particularly hot spot areas like Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Japan and South Korea. (PCOO)
Aquino welcomes statement of Ambassador Thomas for supporting PHL
President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed elation on Tuesday over the statement of United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas for its support to the country on issues including the South China Sea and the Spratly Islands.
“Siyempre ikinatutuwa natin iyon (support from the United States Ambassador) lalo na yung pagpapaalala na strategic partner nila tayo,” the President said during a press conference Tuesday in Malacanang.
At the launching ceremonies of the government’s National Renewable Energy Program at the Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City, Thomas assured the Filipino people of the support of United States to the Philippines.
“I assure you that on all subjects, the U. S. is with the Philippines. The Philippines and the United States are strategic allies. We are long standing treaty partners. We will continue to consult and work with each other on all issues, including the South China Sea and Spratlys,” Thomas said.
The Philippines is protesting recent incursions of Chinese vessels in areas claimed by the Philippines in the Spratlys, a group of islands in the South China Sea believed to hold significant oil and gas deposits. The area, which also hosts rich fishing grounds and a busy sea lane, is also being claimed by Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia. (PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III formally launched the government's National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) that aims to address the spiraling cost and insufficiencies in the supply of electricity, especially in rural areas, in ceremonies held at the Makati Shangri-la Tuesday.
The NREP contains a framework for action, existing and future measures, instruments and policies for the promotion of renewable energy as well as a roadmap which will guide efforts towards actualizing the market penetration targets of each renewable energy source in the country.
In his speech keynoting the event, the President underscored the importance of renewable energy saying it does more than empower cities, machines and entire industries but also “fuels our movement towards the rebuilding of this nation.”
“Renewable energy will fuel our future,” the President said.
He added that through renewable energy, we will be able to supply the electricity needs of our people at a much lower cost and not at the expense of the environment.
“The National Renewable Energy Program today points us in the right direction in terms of finding long-term and sustainable energy sources. Our launch today is a symbolic first step in our journey towards fulfilling our vision of a Philippines unbound from the vagaries of the world oil market—a Philippines where we can choose not to sacrifice the environment, particularly the air we breathe, just to power our industries,” the President said.
He pointed out that with the NREP in place, the government hopes to achieve the “twin goals of harnessing our renewable energy potential while ensuring that our people’s energy needs are met.”
“With this in mind, the plan is to nearly triple our renewable energy-based capacity from around 5,400 megawatts in 2010 to 15,300 megawatts in 2030,” the President said.
He allayed fears that pursuing renewable energy development would only lead to higher electricity costs saying, “the Department of Energy is confident that, along with the Energy Regulation Commission and the National Renewable Energy Board, the government will be able to keep a watchful eye on these prices to keep an optimum balance between the interests of our consumers and preserving the environment for future generations.”
“What we want is simple: we want to do away with the perception that a cleaner future and affordable power prices are conflicting ideas. Our objective is for our people to experience both. And what we will do is ease into these emerging technologies so that their economic impacts will not cause a shock to our consumers. We want to pave the way for the maturity of our renewable energy sources such that we can provide predictable, affordable, and fair electricity pricing for each and every Filipino,” the President said.
He appealed to the nationalist in every Filipino to join this government effort to ensure its success.
“This is a twenty-year program we are launching, so allow me to appeal to everyone here: be involved – from paying attention to curbing your own carbon footprint, to aspiring to become the next big green entrepreneur. Any way that you can help your country would be welcome assistance as well. What each and every one of you does count,” the President said.
“What we need to do is to fulfill our roles in the collective task of rebuilding this country. The daylight has finally dawned, and it is our duty as Filipinos to make certain we walk under its guidance. I especially invite the youth, who are the future of the Philippines, to join this government and their elders, as we all help make this daylight a continuing reality, so that no smog, no darkness will ever enshroud us again,” he said. (PCOO)
U.S. assures PHL of its support on issues including South China Sea/Spratlys Islands
The United States threw its support for the Philippines claim on the highly contested Spratlys Islands located in the West Philippine Sea.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas issued this declaration in his speech during the formal launch of the government's National Renewable Energy Program at the Makati Shangri-La Tuesday.
Thomas assured the Philippines of his country's support due to the strong bond between the two nations.
“I assure you that on all subjects, the U. S. is with the Philippines. The Philippines and the United States are strategic allies. We are long standing treaty partners. We will continue to consult and work with each other on all issues, including the South China Sea and Spratlys,” Thomas said. (PCOO)
Malacanang condemns murder of Olea, DILG orders investigation of the case
Malacanang said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered an investigation on the killing of Bicol-based anchorman Ramon Olea, who was killed on Monday.
“We view with great seriousness and condemn the cold-blooded murder of reporter and radio commentator Romeo Olea who was killed in Iriga City yesterday morning,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.
“The Department of Interior and Local Government has ordered an investigation for the purpose of identifying, apprehending and charging the culprits.”
Asked by reporters if the police were able to determine whether Olea’s killing is work-related, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said they are still waiting for an update from the investigators.
“Secretary Robredo has just ordered an investigation and hopefully we will have more on this in the coming days. It is our intention to know if the killing is work-related,” she said in a press conference in Malacanang on Tuesday.
Olea, 49, an anchorman of radio dwEB in Nabua, Camarines Sur, were shot dead around 5:52 a.m. Monday while on his way to his office.
Reports said Olea was riding his motorcycle when he was waylaid and shot by still unidentified men. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but he didn’t survive.
Media organizations said the killing of Olea is the sixth under the Aquino administration. Authorities also have an ongoing investigation on the assault against dzRK Radyo ng Bayan anchorman Jerome Tabanganay by Kalinga Gov. Jocel Baac last week. (PCOO)
Aquino receives officials of Hitachi Asia in Malacanang
President Benigno S. Aquino III receives today the officials of Hitachi Asia Limited, a Tokyo-based firm engaged in a wide range of technologies, who called on him at the Yellow Room of the Presidential Guest House.
The top officials who met with the President were Takashi Kawamura, chairman of Hitachi Ltd.; Yukio Toyoshima, general manager, Hitachi Ltd.; Kiyoshi Kinugawa, chief executive for Asia, Hitachi Ltd.; and Hitoshi Goto general manager Hitachi Asia Ltd.
During the call, chairman Kawamura thanked the President for providing assistance to the victims of tsunami and for receiving their courtesy call.
Incorporated in 1996, Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippines Branch (HAS-PH) provides solutions catering to diverse needs of its customers in the Philippines like power generation systems, transmission and distribution systems, heavy industrial equipment, industrial components and equipment as well as elevators and escalators.
Some of HAS-PH’s products and services include Finger Vein Biometric Authentication Systems and Systems Management Solutions (JP1) for businesses. It also supports the sales of Plasma and LCD TVs, and LCD Projectors.
Recently, HAS-PH unveiled a new 3,564-square meter warehouse at the Subic Techno Park in Subic, Zambales, which they viewed as “a bigger and brighter operations for the company” in order to promote operational efficiency to meet the vision towards global competitiveness. (PCOO)
Aquino thanks Supreme Court for allowing live broadcast of Maguindanao massacre trial
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday thanked the Supreme Court (SC) for finally allowing the live media coverage of the Maguindanao mass killing trial.
“Tayo po ay nagpapasalamat sa Supreme Court at dininig nila yung kahilingan natin at ng marami pa nating kababayan na i-full coverage itong trial,” the President said in a briefing at Malacanang.
The SC granted petitions seeking the live radio and television coverage of the Maguindanao massacre trial.
“The President noted that the SC decision also gave credence to the capability of the victim’s families who has financial difficulties to support their transportation expenses in order to attend court trials to be conducted at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
The President himself had requested the SC that the Maguindanao massacre trial be conducted “in full public view” to show that “justice can and will be dispensed without fear or favor and in the full light of day.”
In a unanimous vote, the SC ruled that its decision is pro hac vice (for this occasion) which means that it only applies to the Maguindanao massacre trial alone based on the consolidated petitions filed by different media networks and organizations, and a letter of the President to Chief Justice Renato Corona.
The live broadcast of the trial will be presided over by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.
Among the principal accused in the killing of 57 people in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao on November 23, 2009 are former Datu Unsay, Maguindanao Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr.; former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr.; former acting Maguindanao Gov. Sajid Ampatuan; suspended Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan; Akmad Ampatuan; Anwar Ampatuan and 196 others.
Among those killed in what is considered the worst case of political violence in the country were 32 journalists and relatives and supporters of current Maguindanao Governor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu. (PCOO)
Aquino commends DFA for release of Filipino worker kidnapped in Yemen
President Benigno Aquino III commended the Department of Foreign Affairs for working relentlessly for the release of a Filipino engineer kidnapped in Yemen last April.
The President presented Engr. Ramon de Castro to Palace reporters on Tuesday after having a meeting with him at the Palace. De Castro was released last May.
“Tinutukan po nang husto ng DFA ito sa pangunguna ni Secretary del Rosario at ng ambassador natin sa Saudi Arabia at na-effect natin ang successful release to include a Sri Lankan colleague of his that works with the same firm,” the President said in a press conference on Tuesday in Malacanang.
The President said he considers del Rosario as the most hardworking member of his the cabinet, who immediately faced several crisis in the Middle East few months after his appointment at the DFA.
“Even in this particular case, talagang naging innovative yung method in securing his release and we’re really glad that Mr. de Castro was able to reunite with his family. He’s with his family for about a month already,” President Aquino said.
Working on the release of de Castro was difficult because of the absence of a Philippine embassy in Yemen, which has been in the midst of turmoil at this time. The Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia worked for de Castro’s freedom, the President said.
There are 1,600 Filipinos currently working in Yemen, the President said.
De Castro, who has been in the Middle East since 2003, has been kidnapped by a group of Yemeni rebels last April 18. The rebels usually would ask for political demands from the Yemeni government.
De Castro and a Sri Lankan colleague were held for 19 days, eating only bread and consuming little amount of water. He said he was supposed to be beheaded by the rebels but they spared him after the Philippine government sent representatives and his company had cut off power supply in the area.
Asked by reporters how to prevent similar kidnapping incidents, the President said the long-term solution is to provide more local jobs so that Filipinos do not go abroad and take risks.
In the meantime however, he said the DFA and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will work hard to protect the welfare of Filipinos working overseas. The DFA for instance provides regular information from different countries, particularly hot spot areas like Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Japan and South Korea. (PCOO)
Aquino welcomes statement of Ambassador Thomas for supporting PHL
President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed elation on Tuesday over the statement of United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas for its support to the country on issues including the South China Sea and the Spratly Islands.
“Siyempre ikinatutuwa natin iyon (support from the United States Ambassador) lalo na yung pagpapaalala na strategic partner nila tayo,” the President said during a press conference Tuesday in Malacanang.
At the launching ceremonies of the government’s National Renewable Energy Program at the Shangri-la Hotel in Makati City, Thomas assured the Filipino people of the support of United States to the Philippines.
“I assure you that on all subjects, the U. S. is with the Philippines. The Philippines and the United States are strategic allies. We are long standing treaty partners. We will continue to consult and work with each other on all issues, including the South China Sea and Spratlys,” Thomas said.
The Philippines is protesting recent incursions of Chinese vessels in areas claimed by the Philippines in the Spratlys, a group of islands in the South China Sea believed to hold significant oil and gas deposits. The area, which also hosts rich fishing grounds and a busy sea lane, is also being claimed by Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia. (PCOO)
