Energy Official: APEC Benefits include Energy Investments for Cebu

Energy investments is considered one of the benefits Cebu might get for hosting the 12th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting, said DOE Undersecretary Loreta Ayson.

Cebu will be hosting this particular Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting from October 12-14 at Shangri-la Resort, Lapu-Lapu City.

Its theme is “Towards an Energy Resilient APEC Community”, said DOE Acting Secretary Zenaida Monsada in a press briefing last Friday.

She explained that resiliency was considered timely as the theme due to the devastating nature of climate change and other calamities, such as the typhoon Yolanda.

The meeting’s main agenda is to promote investments without increasing the demand of energy needed to fulfill the industry’s needs, focusing on energy efficiency in general.

During the briefing, several questions were raised regarding the province’s power supply and its reserves. Ayson assured that Cebu has sufficient supply for its demands.

The declaration of the theme centers on the following key elements: Resiliency of energy infrastructure, development of low carbon and clean energy development.

Ayson said this energy ministerial meeting is an opportunity for the Queen City of the South to ignite the interest of investors and attract investments on the various parts of the country.

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has assured that no power shortage or maintenance will occur during the series of APEC meetings, DOE Visayas Secretary Director Antonio Labios said.

These series of energy investment forums by the DOE is part of its efforts in making sure that the expanding demand of energy is met and also marketing Cebu as an investment spot.

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