ILOILO CITY – Representatives from the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur participated in a four-day Learning Exchange on Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) Policy, Planning, and Governance held in Iloilo City from July 21 to 24, 2025.
Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the Government of Japan, the initiative aims to enhance the capacity of local government units (LGUs) in integrating RE and EE into governance systems, particularly in sectors like public health and service delivery. The activity also supports the development of province-level RE/EE roadmaps and policy frameworks aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The program opened with remarks from Iloilo Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, who underscored the province’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy solutions. He was followed by Iloilo 4th District Board Member and Energy Champion Hon. Rolando Distura, who shared insights from Iloilo’s own journey in incorporating renewable energy into local planning and decision-making—serving as a practical reference for other LGUs.
A highlight of the exchange was the Community of Experts Immersion, where participants were grouped for field visits and interactive learning sessions:
- Group 1, composed of engineers, administrative and finance officers, and representatives from Ibadah, visited the Iloilo Provincial Hospital, Pototan District Hospital, and Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian.
- Group 2, which included Technical Working Group (TWG) members and Chiefs of Hospitals from Lanao del Sur, visited the LGU of Concepcion and the Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital in Balasan.
The visits allowed participants to witness firsthand how solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are integrated into hospital operations—enhancing energy reliability, lowering costs, and improving service delivery.
Following the immersion, a reflective session titled “Diagnosis of Experience: Insights, Prescriptions, Precautions” enabled participants to share their learnings. Group 1 presented technical observations related to energy planning and hospital management, while Group 2 analyzed site-specific applications, challenges, and opportunities for replication in their home province.
The learning exchange also facilitated in-depth discussions on policy design, budget strategies, investment mobilization, and multi-sector partnerships, aiming to help LGUs adopt and scale up RE and EE innovations.
This initiative reflects the increasing momentum for inter-LGU collaboration and demonstrates UNDP’s continued commitment to supporting resilient, inclusive, and energy-secure communities in the Philippines.