MANILA-- The European Union (EU) on Thursday awarded seven Filipino organizations with clean energy grants worth 21 million euros or about PHP1.2 billion.
EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said 73 applicants proposed business solutions for the provision of clean electricity in remote areas of the Philippines.
Upon assessment, seven projects were selected and awarded with funding under EU's Access to Sustainable Energy Program (ASEP), which will run until 2021.
Jessen is confident these new ASEP projects, set to be launched in January 2019, will contribute to the implementation of the Philippine government's goal to reach 100 percent nationwide electrification by 2020.
"In this context, the actions are also intended to contribute to improve the quality of life of marginalized rural community groups while at the same time mitigate the impact of climate change through assisting communities in rural areas to access renewable energy," he said in a speech.
Five of the awardees were present during the ceremony to sign their respective contracts: Martiniano Magdolot of Mahintana, Proferio Jabla Jr. of Yamog, Jose Ramon Villarin of Ateneo de Manila University, Jose Angelito Palma of Kabang Kalikasan WWF, and Claudia Oriolo Country Director of Clovek (People in Need).
Jessen said an EU share of 21 million euros, with an additional 7 million euros contribution from the applicants and their partners will make up the total grant amount.
Yamog chairperson Jabla said the bloc committed about more than 3.5 million euros for its project towards the provision of sustainable energy in off-grid communities in Mindanao.
At least 5,000 households are expected to benefit from Yamog's project alone. Overall, the EU initiative targets to light with sustainable source of electricity 40,000 households in the Philippines. (PNA)
