THE Department of Energy (DoE) said it is preparing an up to $300-million package to support rooftop solar and energy-efficient appliance use in public schools and government hospitals.
“The specifics are still for finalization and the loan itself is still for approval on the government side,” Patrick T. Aquino, director at the Energy Utilization Management Bureau, said via Viber.
Mr. Aquino said that the DoE obtained approval from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the facility.
However, it still needs the approval of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, formerly known as the National Economic and Development Authority, and the Department of Finance.
Once cleared, the program will be implemented by the DoE over five years.
“If it were to proceed, the capacities will contribute to the targets under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) and compliance with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP),” Mr. Aquino said.
“We are grateful for the continued support of the ADB in our Government Energy Management Program,” Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said at the ADB Asia Clean Energy Forum on Tuesday.
Ms. Guevara said green energy “can have a profound impact on public schools and government hospitals.” — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
