The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has given the energy and transport sectors primacy over others at the Just Transition Program that shields the so-called vulnerable sectors against the impact of climate change. The energy and transport sectors account for 56 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Just Transition Program identifies those at the frontline of the transition, especially workers or retiring sectors at risk of unemployment, displacement and economic dislocation due to climate change.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, official representative to the Climate Change Commission, stressed the importance of re-skilling and upskilling the workforce in the energy and transport sectors who are heavily reliant on the use of conventional energy.
“The transition should focus not only on minimizing the negative impacts on affected sectors but also on equipping our workforce with the necessary skills for emerging opportunities in fields such as renewable and climate-friendly technologies,” Loyzaga said.
The DENR said there is a need to consider the potential of new industries emerging from the transition as support providers of conventional industries.
It also said other national government agencies including the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Transportation were identified as development leaders of the Just Transition Program.
The agencies will likewise lead consultations across sectors and regions in the coming months with support from the Asian Development Bank.
The consultations will also inform the development of a National Just Transition Framework and Roadmap which will guide the Philippines in its shift to a low-carbon, sustainable and resilient economy.
In a separate statement, the DOE said the Philippines was honored at the recently concluded 2024 Asean Energy Awards, highlighting the nation’s continued commitment to energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) as well as sustainable development in the region.
At the EEC Best Practices Awards 2024 – Building and Industry Category, two local establishments were recognized for outstanding practices in maximizing efficiency through innovative technologies and construction techniques aimed at reducing energy consumption and enhancing performance.
SM City Butuan was second runner-up in the new and existing building sub-category of the energy efficient buildings category while Ayala Malls Vertis North also earned second runner-up recognition in the small and medium building sub-category of the energy management in buildings category.
Patrick Aquino, DOE director of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau, came home with the Asean Excellence in Energy Management Award – Individual Category serving as the Philippines’ focal point for energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.
“With EEC as a whole-of-nation approach to reduce consumption and ultimately realize savings, I encourage others to also approach this advocacy creatively and with fervor. I also express my appreciation to Director Aquino for demonstrating strong leadership in advancing energy efficiency through innovative programs and policy recommendations that commits to sustainability and the country’s energy saving goals,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, said.
The Asean Energy Award is Southeast Asia’s highest accolade designed to encourage and recognize private sector participation in EEC development within the region, in partnership with the public sector.
