Iloilo plans renewable energy projects for agriculture amid fuel price concerns
ILOILO CITY – The provincial government of Iloilo is exploring investments in renewable energy for the agriculture sector, contingent on its capacity to support farmers and other stakeholders affected by rising fuel prices amid the Middle East crisis.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said he has consulted with the Provincial Community Defense Cluster to assess the level of aid available from the national government, particularly from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Agriculture.
Defensor explained that if national support sufficiently addresses the immediate needs of affected sectors, the provincial government will proceed with renewable energy initiatives in agriculture, using funds from its development budget.
“The aggressive renewable programs are included in both the executive order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and our provincial executive order,” he said, emphasizing that the province is ready to leverage available resources to implement sustainable energy solutions.
The provincial government is also coordinating with the Department of Energy to stay updated on the regional energy situation.
Last month, Defensor indicated that the province is considering declaring a state of calamity to access its quick response fund (QRF) for assisting sectors impacted by rising fuel costs. However, preliminary estimates suggest that the QRF alone may be insufficient to cover all needs.
He added that developments over the next 48 hours will determine whether the Provincial Board will be asked to approve a state of calamity declaration.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency -PR
