Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) officers led by President Edward Du hosted a business luncheon meeting for Mayor Peve O. Ligan, together with the top executives from the Biopower Renewable Energy sector under the newly-created Negros Island Region (NIR).
NOCCI Hosts Luncheon with Mayor Ligan and Biopower Leaders to Boost Renewable Energy in NIR
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, recently hosted a business luncheon meeting to strengthen partnerships within the renewable energy sector. The meeting welcomed Mayor Peve O. Ligan and top executives from the Biopower Renewable Energy sector under the newly-established Negros Island Region (NIR).
Held at a premier venue in Dumaguete City, the luncheon marked a significant step toward advancing renewable energy initiatives that align with the region’s commitment to sustainability and economic development.
Fostering Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
NOCCI President Edward Du opened the meeting with remarks on the importance of collaboration between local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to address energy challenges and create sustainable solutions. “The partnership between NOCCI, Mayor Ligan, and the Biopower sector represents a unified effort to make renewable energy a key driver of growth in the NIR,” Du stated.
Renewable Energy’s Role in Regional Development
The Biopower Renewable Energy sector’s participation in the luncheon underscored its commitment to investing in projects that harness sustainable energy sources, such as biomass. Executives highlighted ongoing and upcoming initiatives in Negros Oriental aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing the province’s energy independence.
A Biopower executive explained, “Our goal is to integrate renewable energy solutions into the region’s development framework, providing sustainable energy to communities while creating jobs and boosting local economies.”
Mayor Ligan: A Champion for Renewable Energy
Mayor Peve O. Ligan, known for his progressive stance on environmental sustainability, expressed his gratitude to NOCCI for initiating the dialogue. “This meeting solidifies our shared vision for a greener, more resilient Negros Island Region. Renewable energy is not just a necessity but a responsibility we owe to future generations,” said Ligan.
The mayor emphasized the potential of renewable energy projects to address long-standing energy supply challenges in the province, particularly in rural areas that often face power shortages.
Key Topics Discussed
The luncheon covered several key areas of interest, including:
- Energy Security: Strategies to reduce dependency on traditional energy sources and ensure stable power supply in the NIR.
- Biomass Potential: Utilizing agricultural by-products, such as sugarcane and rice husks, to generate sustainable energy.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration between LGUs, NOCCI, and renewable energy companies to expedite project implementation.
- Community Impact: Ensuring local communities benefit from renewable energy projects through job creation and improved access to electricity.
NOCCI’s Commitment to Green Initiatives
NOCCI has been at the forefront of promoting sustainability and innovation in Negros Oriental. This luncheon is part of a series of initiatives aimed at aligning local businesses and LGUs with the global push for renewable energy and environmental responsibility.
Executive Director John Jalandoni, who also attended the meeting, highlighted the chamber’s role in facilitating discussions that lead to actionable outcomes. “NOCCI serves as a bridge between government and industry, ensuring that development is both sustainable and inclusive,” Jalandoni noted.
Driving innovation, sustainability, and collaboration for a brighter future in the Negros Island Region.
Strengthening the NIR Framework
The establishment of the Negros Island Region has provided a unique opportunity to streamline policies and initiatives that address the specific needs of Negros Oriental and Occidental. Renewable energy is poised to be a cornerstone of the NIR’s economic strategy, and meetings like this demonstrate the region’s readiness to embrace innovative solutions.
Looking Ahead
The luncheon concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to pursue renewable energy projects that will benefit the entire NIR. NOCCI President Edward Du emphasized that this is just the beginning of a long-term partnership. “Together, we can build a region that leads the way in renewable energy, setting an example for the rest of the Philippines,” he said.
Mayor Ligan echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the future of renewable energy in Negros Oriental. “With the support of NOCCI and the Biopower sector, we are well on our way to achieving our vision of a sustainable, energy-secure region,” he stated.
Upcoming Initiatives
As a follow-up to the luncheon, NOCCI plans to host a series of workshops and forums to further engage stakeholders in renewable energy discussions. The chamber also aims to facilitate site visits to existing Biopower facilities to showcase their impact and potential.
