August, 06 2024

San Fernando in La Union, Ormoc in Leyte, and Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte are the three cities stepping up to join the WWF-Philippines’ pilot implementation of the Cool and Solar Initiative (CSI) project. This project aims to guide these cities in their transition towards a low-carbon and energy-efficient future, making their participation a significant move towards urban resilience and climate change mitigation. 

“These three cities, with their unique potential, are poised to become leaders and role models for what climate-friendly cities should be. Their prime locations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao position them strategically as the cities that can grow and develop sustainably,” Imee Bellen, CSI project manager, underscored.

CSI is a global WWF program that aims to increase the uptake of efficient cooling and rooftop solar in tropical countries. As climate change brings rising temperatures, energy usage from human cooling systems will also increase and require greater energy consumption. The implementation of efficient cooling practices aims to share the best practices for ensuring a healthy and cool environment without the increased energy cost and consumption. This is complemented by the promotion of solar rooftop systems which will reduce the dependence on fossil fuel power plants.

From April to June, inception workshops for the CSI project were conducted, which also served as the launching activity of the new engagement with LGUs. More than 100 local stakeholders representing the city governments, academe, youth, business establishments, electric cooperatives, and civil society attended the one-day events where their perspectives and insights were solicited.  Invited officials shared how they are looking forward to being guided in finalizing their Local Energy Code (LEC) and crafting their Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (LEECP), as mandated nationally under Republic Act 11285 or the “Energy Efficiency & Conservation Act.” 

“Understanding the perspectives and mindsets of local governments will help us understand their current situation and context, and is crucial in our efforts to guide them in their energy transition,” Bellen said, emphasizing the respect and value placed on each city’s unique situation. “We have to consider the differences between the three cities in terms of where they are in their energy policies.”

“We want to help them as they implement a just energy transition that complies with the Paris Climate Agreement,” Bellen added. “We plan to conduct activities including an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign, energy audit, school dialogue, training for local businesses, multi-stakeholder forum, and publication of policy briefs throughout the project timeline until July 2025.”

Globally, the Philippines has been identified as among the countries most at risk from climate change brought by extreme weather patterns. In tropical climates, such as in Southeast Asia, cooling systems can represent up to 70% of the total energy load in buildings. 

The Philippines has made a significant commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 75%, according to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This commitment shows the country’s dedication to being part of the solution to climate change.