Local government officials, teachers and students, young professionals, and members of the civil society joined our Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) roadshows in eastern and western Pangasinan. A total of 15 local government units, six (6) higher education institutions, healthcare facilities, and civil society networks attended and called for the adoption of EE&C policies and programs within the province.

The EE&C events were hosted by CREST in partnership with the German foundation Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Pangasinan State University – Urdaneta City Campus, and the local city government of Alaminos.

Home to rich and fine salt beds, Pangasinan takes pride in its abundant natural resources, one of the most popular destinations such as the country’s first national park, the protected area of the Hundred Islands in Alaminos City. With its expected economic progress, the need for sustainable energy practices is integral, not only to attract tourists with secure and reliable energy but also to further protect the environment and its people.

The province’s key energy stakeholders were interested in increasing their technical capacity on implementing R.A. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act. In CREST’s recent events, it has been identified that the implementation of the mentioned law has been slow in its progress. A massive roll-out of training nationwide for the mandated participants has yet to be done by the energy department.

It was indeed very helpful for the participants representing different sectors to attend such training. Because they saw the need for more of these kinds of training, a network has been established within them to continuously engage with one another for sharing of best practices and planning. Another important thing to note is that of the 70 participants, only 15 are women, which reflects how there is a significant gender gap in women’s participation in energy-related training.

Participants present from the academe were from Urdaneta City University, Panpacific University – Urdaneta, University of Eastern Pangasinan, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, Pangasinan State University – Alaminos City and Urdaneta City Campuses, University of Luzon and Lyceum Northwestern University. NGOs were also represented by the Pangasinan Youth for DRRM and the Pangasinan People’s Strike for the Environment.

The overwhelming representation of the local government units also confirms how they need to be more capacitated on EE&C. Participating local public officials were from the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the local government of Sison, Sta. Barbara, Natividad, Bautista, and Urdaneta City, Urbiztondo, Anda, Basista, Alaminos City, Bayambang, Lingayen, Binmaley, Mangaldan, Sual. Representatives from the provincial office also participated.

Other important stakeholders like the IIEE, Pangasinan I Electric Cooperative, and Region 1 Medical Center were also present.

CREST is excited to continue the collaboration with the energy stakeholders of Pangasinan to push EE&C policies and programs in the province.