DOE, EU-ASEP, and ADB Brief LGUs on EE&C Law Implementation

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TOWARDS AN EEC CULTURE: Speakers and participants to the “LGU Forum on Opportunities for Energy Efficiency Projects” gather for a group photo after a fruitful two-day briefing on the role of local government units in the implementation of the Energy Efficiency (EEC) Law. The forum was held from 11 to 12 November 2019 at the Headquarters of the Asian Development Bank in Mandaluyong City.



MANDALUYONG CITY - Local government officials and technical staff of local government units (LGUs) based in Luzon were briefed on their respective roles in implementing Republic Act 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Law.



The Department of Energy (DOE) led the briefing with the support of the European Union (EU), through their Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP), and the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) during the “LGU Forum on Opportunities for Energy Efficiency Projects” held at the ADB on 11 to 12 November 2019.



“The energy family appreciates the continued support of our development partners as we seek to firmly establish energy efficiency and conservation as a way of life here in the Philippines. The success of the EEC Law’s implementation entails the active participation of all our stakeholders, and this Forum would go a long way in educating members of our local governments on how they could be agents of energy efficiency and conservation change,” DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.



At the Forum, members of the Inter-agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee discussed initial guidelines for developing local EEC plans, technology options, green procurement and green buildings, investment incentives and financing options, and mechanisms for public-private partnerships. Further, representatives from the Cities of Mandaluyong, Santa Rosa, and Mandaue demonstrated their efforts on EE initiatives.



Bert Hunter, Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Green Bank – a global leader in energy efficiency financing, delivered the keynote address.



On 12 November, participants visited the first Energy Efficiency Services and Technologies Exhibition at the House of Representatives (HOR) where they were welcomed by the HOR Committee on Energy led by Chairman Lord Allan Velasco.



The Law, signed in April 2019, seeks to secure the country’s energy supply by making EEC a national way of life. LGUs will be mandated to develop and submit local EEC plans and provide updates on their progress annually. The government will provide incentives and special financing for their EE related projects. The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law are expected to be signed this month. Relevant guidelines governing LGUs’ EEC plans and reporting will be developed by the DOE in coordination with the Department of the Interiors and Local Government (DILG) soon after.



Senior Energy Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas said that the DOE is mandated to inform LGUs of recent policies and mechanisms governing their role and participation in the national energy efficiency and conservation program.



“This LGU Forum is a good opportunity for the DOE to update participants about government efforts to mainstream and integrate energy efficiency and conservation in local development plans," stressed Senior Undersecretary Posadas.



Meanwhile, EU Head of Development Cooperation Enrico Strampelli said that LGUs are prime movers in promoting energy efficiency and conservation programs and projects across all energy consuming sectors in their respective areas. “We believe that energy efficiency remains the most cost-effective way to ensure sustainable energy, accelerate economic growth, and mitigate climate change in support of global climate actions,” he said.



ADB Energy Sector Group Chief Yongping Zhai said the forum was a key opportunity for ADB to partner with local government officials to advance their respective energy efficiency goals.



“ADB has been a long-time partner of the Philippines, with contributions to milestone energy sector restructuring and efforts toward financial reform of the power sector, among many others,” Dr. Zhai said, "through its renewable energy and energy efficiency programs completed from 2010 to 2015, ADB has contributed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 173,789 tons of CO2e per year in the Philippines. ADB is actively identifying further areas to support, especially in energy efficiency and multi-sector investments.”

Philippine SME Business Expo & Conference Opens its Doors

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The country’s Largest Business-2-Business Expo, Conference, and Networking Event for Small and Medium Enterprises – the Philippine SME Business Expo & Conference [PHILSME] opened once again for its 9th edition today, November 12, 2019 at Function Room 4 of the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Today’s ribbon cutting ceremony was graced by Maria Carlota Kim (from HP Philippines); Carla Jean Roa (Sales Executive from Alkaviva Waters Philippines); Trixie Esguerra (Host); Andrew Francisco (Chief Finance Officer of Freshworks, Inc.); Kristine Pesquisa (Marketing and Sustainability Officer of Esquire Financing); David Abrenilla (CEO & Founder of PHILSME); Director Jerry Clavesillas (DTI-BSMED Bureau Director); Ana Joy Rocero (Regus & Spaces by IWG); Patrick Gentry (CEO & Founder, Sprout Solutions Inc.) & Rich Cortez (Sales Coordinator of DV Boer Farm International).

Over 250 exhibiting brands will offer a wide array of business solutions and opportunities from industries of Information Technology, Business Consultancy, Logistics, Financial Technology, Business Financing, Human Resources & Recruitment, Office Spaces, Marketing & Advertising, Franchising, Distributorship and many more. Technology Innovations Village opens once again for its second year featuring top tech business solutions for SMEs.

Aside from the expo, a business conference on November 13 will be staged tomorrow featuring top industry experts to speak about “How to Grow Your Business”. TV Hosts & Entrepreneurs RJ Ledesma & Howell Mabalot, Digital Marketing Guru Mannix Pabalan will be among the roster of top-caliber conference speakers.

PHILSME is sponsored by Regus & Spaces, Esquire Financing, Alkaviva Waters Philippines, Sprout Solutions, HP Philippines, DV Boer Farm International, i4 Asia Inc. and Ersao Taiwanese Restaurant.

Visit www.philsme.com for more details.

Best Place to Kayak in Thailand

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Thailand is a beautiful place to visit and do some adventures. This southeastern Asian country is known for the Buddha figures, beautiful temples, luxurious royal forts, and tropical beaches. Thailand tour would be the best entertaining tour in your life, be it for the first time or for an official trip. This country has no option of getting bored. When you are in the country, you will love the humblest people in the country. You will not feel alone around them. Thailand is the country that has all the hot tourist spots that you must to visit. Today I will talk about the adventure of kayaking in Thailand.

 

Kayaking in Thailand

Kayaking is a fun and adventurous activity on the water. You can move through the water with a small canoe with a double-bladed paddle. You can steer through the water by using side to side paddle strokes. In Thailand, there are two best places to go for kayaking. One is in Phang Nga Bay in Phuket, and the other one is in Krabi. Let’s take a look at these places.

· Kayaking in Krabi:

Krabi is a beautiful town in Thailand with beautiful temples and interesting islands. This location is popular for its endless beauty and calm nature. You will see tourists come to this place to enjoy sightseeing the landscapes and kayaking. In Krabi, water sports experience is considered as the best experience. Seawater and streams surround the town. You can sail with the kayak amidst the remote island and thick jungle.

The best time to go for kayaking in Krabi is November to March because Krabi is a warm place in all year. But in November to march, the weather stays humid and comfortable. So, try to visit Krabi at that time. There are four places to kayak in the Krabi that no one should miss. The areas are:

Thalane Bay is the perfect place for water lovers. In this place, you can row with the kayak in the beautiful scenery around you. The area near Hong Island and Ao Nang bay is considered as the best kayaking spot in Krabi. When you enter this bay, you will enjoy beautiful views of the islands nearby. In the bay, you can go for kayak tours for half a day or a full day. The water of this bay is crystal clear, and you can enjoy the underwater view with ease. The bay is surrounded by a mangrove forest where you will see different birds, otters, monkeys, and lizards.

Bor Thor Village is popular for natural landscapes and mesmerizing river routes. You will be the lucky one to enjoy the rare sights in this village. In this village, you will find a list of caves with boundaries. Among them, the famous cave is Pee Hua Toh. This cave has ancient paintings that may have been created way back a thousand years ago. Besides the caves, there are mangrove forests and wildlife sights to enjoy.

Talabeng Island is a cliff that has limestones. The limestone formation makes the scenery dreamy. The caves in this island come in two types like sea caves and land caves, these caves are the main attractions of this island as the caves have developed naturally. Tourists can explore the beaches and enjoy the wilderness.

Tung Yee Peng is the mangrove forest that is considered as the gem of Thailand's ecotourism. Thanks to the locales who help to develop the forest and restore the natural resources. Kayaking is the best option to enjoy the sights of this mysterious and beautiful mangrove forest.

When you are in Krabi for kayaking, know about the tides. In high tides, you can’t go in the caves, and in low tides, the shallowness will block the kayak pass. Make sure to take a professional guide with you on tour.


· Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay:

Phang Nga Bay is a beautiful location with plants, caves, islands, and limestone cliffs. You will find the scenery breathtaking and eye-soothing. To enjoy the scenes entirely is to use the canoes. This quiet and slow movement will help to enjoy the beautiful natural view without any problem.

If you want to enjoy Phang Nga Bay in the day time, I will recommend going with john gray sea canoe. You will enjoy the tour with their proper guidance. You will have a wooden boat to take the trip to the bay. With this boat, you will have time to enjoy the natural beauty without any hurry.

You will also have time to explore the Hongs. The guide will paddle way through the water to let you enjoy the exotic view of aquatic life, birds, and plants. While exploring the Hongs, you will come across with many caves and tunnels. All these have histories. The last surprise of the day trip is the Kratong cave. The locals release a small floating boat with candles and orchids in this cave in the belief of bringing a good fortune. You can make this trip from sunrise to sunset easily.

If you want to enjoy the night trip to Phang Nga Bay, then I recommend to do it. Because kayaking under the night sky is will be a memorable moment for your whole life. But some tunnels and caves stay close during night time.

Thailand is a country that offers different surprises with natural beauty. You will not have enough from this country when you are there as a tourist. If you go for a vacation in that country, you must have the opportunity to enjoy the kayaking. The natural scenes, cliffs, caves, and wildlife will make you happy and energetic for the rest of your life. You will have ample stories to tell about the natural beauties of your future generation. So try to make time and go for kayaking in Thailand. Thailand has gained an international reputation for colorful coral reefs, beaches, and fantastic coastlines. So, everyone should make an opportunity to visit Thailand once in a lifetime.