DOE Committed to Implement Mechanisms in the RE Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) upholds the advancement of the implementation of the policy frameworks and programs under the Republic Act 9513 otherwise known as Renewable Energy (RE) Law of 2008, which supports the promotion of RE resources’ development, utilization and commercialization.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said “We have a binding law which is the RE Law, and the DOE is mandated to implement it.” Sec. Monsada emphasized that the policies and programs currently being executed by the government have undergone stringent procedures following the guidelines provided under the law.

Following a series of stakeholders’ consultations nationwide since 2011, the DOE conducted on 16 June 2016 its 8th public consultation concerning the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) at the Shangri-La Fort, Bonifacio Global City. This is in an effort to present the shared perspective on the provisions of the issuance for further fine tuning. The RPS refers to a market-based policy that mandates participating companies to source an agreed portion of their energy supply from eligible RE resources.

“The outcome in the discussions will help us finalize the Department Circular on RPS prior to its issuance,” said Sec. Monsada. She further stated that the DOE still welcomes position papers until 22 June 2016 from industry participants and stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach, and all suggestions are noted and heard. Copies of the proposed RPS issuance and comments and or recommendations submitted are available at www.doe.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) is in full swing consistent with Department Circular No. DC2013-05-0009 or “Guidelines for the Selection Process of RE Projects under FIT System and the Award of the Certificate for FIT Eligibility,” which outlines the procedure for the Certificate of Endorsement (COE) for FIT Eligibility (COE-FIT). The DOE issues the COE-FIT after undergoing validation and review of technical requirements.

Attached is the list of those with issued COE for FIT endorsed to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The increased capacity in COE FIT can be attributed to the completion of the second tranche of the 500 MW solar FIT installation target entitled to P8.69/kWh.

Sec. Monsada said "the DOE, through the Renewable Energy Management Bureau, has worked day and night to ensure that each eligible solar developer strictly followed the process and technical requirements." She added that the DOE assures the best interest of the public and all RE developers particularly in meeting the country's commitment towards sustainable and cleaner energy.

Pursuant to RA 9513 or RE Act of 2008, the government shall grant incentives through FIT scheme. Under the FIT System, qualified developers of emerging RE sources are offered at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of their exported electricity to the distribution or transmission network. This scheme excludes the energy utilized from RE plants eligible for own use.

Along with the Net-Metering Program and RPS, FIT is one of the policy mechanisms provided in the law being implemented by the DOE to encourage the development of RE industry as it aims to maintain the share of RE of at least 30% in the country’s power mix.

Chatri Sityodtong Revolutionizing MMA in Asia with Expansion of ONE Championship

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Every once in a while, someone comes along with an idea -- something so profound that it changes his life and the lives of those around him. Multi-millionaire Thai entrepreneur Chatri Sityodtong spent his entire existence abiding by the principles of martial arts which he holds dear, bringing him success and prosperity from his extremely humble beginnings.

The teachings and principles of martial arts, to which he says he owes his life to, has led Sityodtong to pioneer a revolutionary transformation in Asia, uniting its people under one banner -- mixed martial arts, or more commonly known as MMA -- today the fastest growing sport in the world.

Just in the last couple of years alone, MMA’s viewership has exploded across Asia and is shown in over 118 countries all over the world.

Though the allure and excitement of martial arts in a safe and competitive environment has drawn fans from all corners of the globe, the sport’s popularity in Asia can be attributed to Sityodtong and his tremendous work in building MMA promotion ONE Championship from a promising, young upstart to the largest sports media property in Asia in a span of just five years.

Today, ONE Championship is the premier MMA organization in Asia.

Save Our Mid Year Classes: Joint Statement on the UP Mindanao Mid Year Cancellation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A few days before enrollment, the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) announced the abrupt cancellation of their midyear classes. After several attempts to dialogue and appeal with the administration against the said decision, the UPMin University Student Council was able to establish that for the previous years, the University has not allotted any budget for their summer classes and instead relies on their yearly savings, and that honoraria for teaching overloads for the past semester have also not been settled by the administration.

As a consequence, many students have been forced to enroll in other constituent campuses of the University of the Philippines. With the delayed announcement of the cancellation, the affected students further had difficulties securing slots for different subjects in other constituent campuses.

Until now, the administration has not provided solutions to accommodate those affected by the cancellation of classes. The USC continues to await the response of the Office of the Chancellor on the said issue.

We, youth and student leaders from various organizations around the Philippines, condemn the gross negligence and financial mismanagement of the UP Min Administration. The cancellation of the midyear classes is a violation of student rights and welfare. They were not consulted nor properly informed of a critical decision that have been proved to restrict the students' access to quality education.