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In the midst of the Philippines’ climate and energy crises, the reliance on fossil fuels has placed our nation in a precarious position. Our contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have perpetuated the intensifying impacts of climate change, hitting vulnerable regions like Eastern Samar with unforgiving force. Eastern Samar has a tropical rainforest climate with warm temperatures and substantial rainfall. Still, it faces severe climate change impacts like rising sea levels, intense typhoons causing flooding and landslides, and disruptions to agriculture and
biodiversity. Adding to this hardship is the energy poverty experienced in Eastern Samar. The lack of stable electricity access further amplifies its vulnerability to climate-related disasters,
hampering its growth and development, with women disproportionately affected. These
compounded challenges demand urgent action and a transformative approach.
Renewable energy emerges as the beacon of hope in this dire scenario. For local government units (LGUs) like those in Eastern Samar, where a mere 9% of power stems from renewable sources, the call for a shift to renewable energy sources is not merely a choice but an imperative for survival and progress. Transitioning to renewable energy in Eastern Samar Province offers multifaceted benefits that significantly bolster community resilience against the adverse impacts of climate change. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power provide a decentralized and reliable energy supply, reducing dependence on centralized grids vulnerable to damage during extreme weather events. This decentralized energy generation enhances community resilience by ensuring continuous access to power, enabling critical services such as healthcare, communication, and emergency response, even amidst disruptions caused by typhoons or natural disasters. Moreover, by harnessing clean energy sources, communities can mitigate environmental risks associated with traditional fossil fuel reliance, reduce air pollution, and mitigate climate-related health hazards. Economically, investing in renewable energy infrastructure can create local job opportunities and stimulate sustainable development, further fortifying community resilience against climate change-induced vulnerabilities. Overall, the shift to renewable energy mitigates climate change impacts and fosters self-reliance, sustainability, and resilience within the Province of Eastern Samar.
To facilitate this just transition to renewable energy by the LGUs, Just Energy Transition Multistakeholder Committees were recommended to be instituted through appropriate policy instruments of the LGUs (e.g., ExecutiveOrder). These bodies were recommended to oversee and perform participatory local energy planning and implementation in Eastern Samar, particularly in the City of Borongan and Municipality of Dolores. Moreover, these Committees also seek to assist the three LGUs in complying with the DOE-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2020-01 on the Guidelines for LGUs in Implementing Energy Projects, which instructs all LGUs to establish Energy Sector Committees through their Local Development Councils. These Committees are pivotal not only for participatory energy planning but also for promoting gender-inclusive policies. These Committees serve as catalysts for empowering women, ensuring their representation in energy decision-making, and fostering a supportive environment for their
involvement in the renewable energy sector.
Conducting renewable energy resource assessments has unveiled promising opportunities within Eastern Samar. The abundance of solar potential along coastal areas in various municipalities, the viable micro-hydro sites, and the significant wind energy prospects in certain regions paint a picture of abundant renewable resources waiting to be harnessed for the benefit of the province.
67 renewable energy policies, programs, projects, and activities have been identified and prioritized through comprehensive consultation workshops. These form the bedrock of the Proposed Renewable Energy Roadmap for Eastern Samar Province, a blueprint designed to integrate renewable energy into the LGUs’ Comprehensive Development Plans (CDP) and Local Development Investment Plans (LDIP). A robust monitoring and evaluation system has been proposed to ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives.
This report is more than a document; it is a compass guiding the LGUs toward a future woven with renewable energy in their development plans. It stands on the shoulders of international best practices. It utilizes resources like the 100% RE Building Blocks toolkit and the Guidebook for Local Government Units on Formulating Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan while documenting the formulation process for future replication and enhancement by other LGUs in the Philippines.
In essence, this report encapsulates not just a strategy but a pathway towards resilience, sustainability, and equitable development for Eastern Samar and sets a precedent for other provinces to follow suit in their journey towards renewable energy.
