DOE to conduct energy forum for Mindanao

PAGADIAN CITY, Oct. 12 (PIA) -– The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to meet and update its stakeholders and potential investors in Mindanao, particularly in Region IX, through an Energy Forum on October 20, 2011 at the Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City. Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras, together with Undersecretary Josefina Patricia M. Asirit, and a team of technical experts from the DOE and its attached agencies will update energy stakeholders on the developments, ongoing activities, initiatives, plans, and programs of the department within the Energy Reform Agenda (ERA) framework. The ERA speaks of the energy sector’s portfolio of action plans for the next six years which is consistent with the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 and the Philippine Energy Plan 2009-2030. The regional power situationer and outlook will also be presented during the forum to give the participants an overview of the department’s action in ensuring the sustainability of power supply in the country and update them on current reforms in the power sector. Potential investors will also learn more on investment opportunities in the energy sector, particularly in Visayas. An open forum will take place after the presentations to give way to the energy sector to answer issues and concerns. The DOE is inviting its stakeholders to attend the forum, particularly the LGU’s, RDC’s business sector, generation companies, private distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, ecozone locators, potential investors, power consumers, the academe, civil society and non-government organizations. (DOE/FPG/CAL/PIA9/ZamboSur)