ENERGY CONSERVATION. PCOO Assistant Secretary Vinci Beltran (third from right) and Director Renante Sevilla (second from right) of the DOE Luzon Field Office, lead other officials in opening the Enerhiyang Atin Kiosk at the SM Central in Olongapo City on Wednesday (May 18, 2022). This is part of the program of the DOE to promote the use of new and energy-efficient alternatives. (Photo by Ruben Veloria)
OLONGAPO CITY – An official of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has cited the need for the people to practice the proper way of using energy amid its rising prices.
During the launch of the "Enerhiyang Atin" kiosk here on Wednesday afternoon, PCOO Assistant Secretary Vinci Beltran said with the continuous increase in the prices of fuel and electricity, every individual must be fully informed and practice the proper way of using energy.
Beltran suggested that people engage more in walking than using their car when the destination is merely a couple of blocks away, or join car-pooling to save on fuel.
She also recommended using light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs and turning off the lights and appliances when these are not in use.
“The proper use of energy can also minimize the long-term effect of climate change. Most importantly, it is not about saving money, but saving our Mother Earth for our future generations,” Beltran said during the event.
The PCOO, together with the Department of Energy (DOE), launched the "Enerhiyang Atin" kiosk as part of the program of the energy department to promote the use of new and energy-efficient alternatives.
In a simple ceremony held at the biggest mall here, the kiosk was formally opened to the public after a ribbon-cutting ceremony graced by Beltran and Director Renante Sevilla of the DOE-Luzon Field Office and other officials.
The "Enerhiyang Atin" program is being referred to as a source of information, recommendations, policies, and programs being implemented by the DOE to promote national energy efficiency.
Sevilla talked about the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP) and Energy Efficiency Excellence (EEE), both being implemented by the DOE to promote efficient use of energy, as mandated under Republic Act 11285, otherwise known as the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Act” of 2019.
With PELP, Sevilla said all manufacturers of appliances, as well as gadgets, are compelled to put labels on their products with information about their energy consumption based on the energy performance of products so that consumers will be informed of how much energy the product consumes.
EEE, on the other hand, promotes the implementation of energy management systems and best practices on energy efficiency in all local and government facilities and establishments.
The DOE official also said "Enerhiyang Atin" kiosks are being established nationwide. “In fact, a similar event is simultaneously happening in Leyte today,” he said.
Meanwhile, "Enerhiyang Atin" partners, represented by Nelson Clemente, sales manager of Daikin Air Condition (Phils), and Erik Kristofer Riola, marketing director, Firefly Electric, shared views on how the consumers could possibly efficiently save energy consumption.
“Our company is fully supporting the energy labeling program of the government to help the consumers save energy consumption as this is very much in line with our company’s value,” Clemente said.
Riola, for his part, said the participation of the private sector is very crucial to the success of the program.
“Consumers should start changing of mindset. When our old light is busted, don’t just replace them with the same product, but rather with the new technologically improved LED bulbs,” Riola said.
As part of the program, Beltran led the guests and attendees in signing a "wall of commitment" to do their part in energy conservation. (PNA)
