Annex F: Photo Gallery USAID B-LEADERS Project’s Support to DOE during the Hosting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) 2017

(From left to right :) Undersecretary Manuel A.J. Teehankee of the Philippine

Department of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Bundit Limschoon, Secretary General for the ACD; Secretary of the Philippine DOE, His Excellency Matar Alneyadi, Undersecretary of the ’ Ministry of Energy; and Provincial Governor Edgar Chatto lead the delegates in the opening of the conference.

Asia Clean Energy Forum 2014

Mayor Maria Angela Sabando proudly shares how public-private partnership worked in Green Island, highlighting USAID’s support in putting up the RE Micro grid power system.

Training the TWG for the Agus-Pulangi Study

MinDA calls for a series of meetings in line with the consultative and participative approach of the Agus-Pulangi study.

1st Dialogue with Power Stake Holders in Mindanao

MinDA officers finalize their presentation on Agus-Pulangui for the Power Dialogue.

All-Women Philippine Delegation

The Philippine delegation poses with U.S. Government counterparts from the State Department and the Council on Environmental Quality after a healthy exchange of experiences in drafting their respective INDCs.

Writeshop on the Draft APEC Declaration

Undersecretary Loreta Ayson of the DOE addresses the bureau Led by Director Jesus Tamang, bureau chiefs and chiefs and directors on the senior technical and planning staff of the DOE significance of the consultative work together to review the past workshops’ workshops in the preparation for common issue and key points, which were later APEC EMM12 during her taken into account in the drafting of the Cebu welcome remarks. Declaration.

USAID’s Support to DOE during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting

Undersecretary William Fuentebella (far left) and Secretary Alfonso Cusi (far right) present the various activities of DOE to the ministers and delegates as they lead the opening of the Philippine Energy Booth during the event’s open space session.

The booth also features a diorama of a USAID-supported 200-kW solar PV array and microgrid power system in Isla Verde, which is being implemented in partnership with the LGU and MERALCO. B-LEADERS Team Annual Planning

USAID/B-LEADERS holds its first annual planning for FY 2014 at the , last July 10-11, 2014 where each staff showcases his/her own talent to present the activities of the project in creative ways.

Training on the Basics of Climate Change held at Bahay Kaalaman, Batangas City

Pebbles Sanchez (left) of the Climate Change Commission and Martin Morales of Team Energy Foundation Inc. (TEFI) serve as technical trainers on the basics of climate change and renewable

energy.

USAID’s Support to the 2016 Business Summit on Climate Change: Business Strategies for Low Carbon Economy

Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman of the Climate Change Commission welcomes participants from the private sector.

Industry leaders share their companies’ initiatives in addressing the impacts of climate change.

Capability Building Support for the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Legal Office

Key legal and technical staff of ERC Legal Office participate in the capacity building session.

ERC Legal Office Director Alfredo P. Vergara, Jr. and USAID B-LEADERS Senior Policy Expert Michael Pitlock discuss the status of the RSEC-WR and its possible implications to existing rates when implemented.

Capacity Building of Batangas City on the Carbon Sequestration Assessment of

A representative from YES-O expresses her support in advocating conservation. At present, schools are in the process of integrating climate change

in the academic curriculum.

Batangas City Environment and Natural Resources Office personnel facilitates group discussions in identifying the major issues in mangrove management. Taking into consideration the likely impacts of these problems, the group proposes a number of medium- and long-term strategies to protect and rehabilitate the city’s mangrove ecosystems. Carbon Stock Assessment of ’s Mangrove Forests

USAID/B-LEADERS consultant Dr. Gil Mendoza (right) orients Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) students on standard operating procedures in conducting non-destructive field measurements in mangrove areas.

WMSU students on board boats to join mangrove field surveys. As an institution, WMSU is a member of the Tumaga River WQMA Governing Board. Development of the Domestic Accounting and Certification System for Philippine Forest Carbon Projects

FMB-DENR’s Forest Economics Section Chief, Mr. Alejandrino Sibucao, Jr., welcomes the private stakeholders who expressed interest in environmental

compliance, corporate sustainability reporting, and investments into forestry projects.

The participants actively share their experiences in supporting, financing, and carbon accounting of forest projects. USAID, DOE, and the National Electrification Administration’s Promotion of Climate Resilient Power Distribution Systems

Newly appointed NEA Administrator Mr. Edgardo R. Masongsong provides his inputs

on the possible implications of the review of and the need to harmonize the existing distribution construction standards and the existing Policy Guidelines on Climate Resiliency.

USAID B-LEADERS consultant Mr. James Vancoevering presents the proposed Climate Resilient Distribution Construction Standards to DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella and technical staff. Climate Vulnerable Forum’s Senior Officials Meeting

Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Committee on Finance, Climate Change and Cultural Communities, emphasizes in her keynote speech the need to take urgent and aggressive climate action and urges developed nations to commit more in fighting climate change.

Assistant Secretary Joyceline Goco of the CCC presents “The

Communique” as the outcome of the meeting during the culminating activity at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang.

Participants of the CVF Senior Officials Meeting show a 1.5 hand signal that symbolizes the proposed target goal to keep warming below 1.5°C. USAID/ and NREL’s Discussions with DOE on the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CRESZ) Process in the Philippines

DOE’s Dir. Mylene Caponcol with NREB’s Juan Antonio Bernad and Carlos Aboitiz stimulate discussion with NREL’s David Hurlbut on the benefits of implementing the CREZ and its impacts to the government, private sector, and the consumers.

Representatives from various government agencies, RE developers, academe, and other stakeholders actively participate in the public consultation the draft DOE department circular on CREZ. Climate Change Commission (CCC)-led Orientation Seminar on the Conduct of the Cost Benefit Analysis Study (CBA) on Mitigation Options

USAID/B-LEADERS, with the CCC as the lead agency, supports a one-day orientation on the conduct of the CBA study on mitigation options. The study aims to evaluate a list of mitigation activities that the government can pursue across all sectors of the economy including an in- depth evaluation of potential co-benefits gained from each mitigation action. The output of the study lays down the foundation for the least cost mitigation roadmap that defines the country’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions or its emission target scenario. Another critical output of this activity is a mitigation toolkit that allows for interactive analysis of different

emission target scenarios.

CCC Sharing of Initial Results of the Mitigation CBA Study to Stakeholders

The workshop series follows the pre-workshop consultation with the CCC led by Assistant Secretary Joyceline Goco last April 23-24, 2015, in Panglao, Bohol.

Mr. Joseph Foltz and Oliver Agoncillo of USAID Office of Energy, Environment and Climate Change delivers welcome messages during the workshops highlighting the continuous partnership between GPH and U.S. Government as strengthened by EO 174.

USAID’s Support to DOE Strategic Planning Workshops (SPWs)

As featured in the energy lantern, Secretary Cusi emphasizes DOE’s nine-point agenda as the pillars of the department’s strategies for succeeding months.

DOE Undersecretary William Fuentabella leads the discussions on the issues and concerns raised by each bureau.

Bureau directors and division chiefs of DOE actively participate during the break-out sessions in SPWs. Department of Energy’s E-Power Mo! Energy Consumers and Stakeholders Conference

DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi (eighth person from the left) leads the launch of the “E-Power Mo” campaign along with PCOO Sec. (seventh person from the left) and other key officials.

Participants listen to the keynote message of the DOE Secretary. At least 900 participants actively participated in the plenary and in the break-out sessions.

DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi delivers the keynote address with a challenge for everyone to instill energy efficiency and resiliency in our mindset during the Manila leg of E-Power Mo! Campaign.

EC LEDS Internal Assessment

During the break-out sessions, the participants are divided into three groups: Interagency-Coordinations, Energy, and Forestry/Sustainable Landscape as they address common concerns and barriers in implementing LEDS in the Philippines.

Low Emission Development Strategies Program Launched in Mindanao

Sec. Luwalhati R. Antonino, chairperson of MinDA and Mr. Joseph Foltz, Deputy Director of USAID OEECC, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the OSFMC launch.

Mr. Joseph Foltz gave a warm message

of USAID’s support to the MinDA and the local government of Davao.

Undersecretary Janet Lopoz of MinDA and Councilor Leo Avila III signed the Commitment to a Greener Mindanao on LEDS as witnessed by Sec. Luwalhati Antonino of MinDA, Mr. Joseph Foltz of USAID and other DENR representatives.

The diorama is a three-dimensional display of the “greening” efforts of Mindanao to pursue long-term, transformative development and accelerate sustainable, climate-resilient economic growth while slowing the growth of GHG emissions through the implementation of LEDS.

Renewable Energy Technology Briefing for Siargao, the first Eco-town

SIARELCO General Manager Sergio Dagooc welcomes possible contractual modalities presented by CCC and USAID B-LEADERS Project. 1st Consultative Workshop on the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) 12th Energy Ministers’ Meeting (EMM12)

Resource persons for cutting-edge energy efficiency technologies include: (2nd from left) Christopher Dela Cruz, Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Green Building Council; Erwin Serafica, Program Manager, Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines; and Edna Tatel, Philippine Sugar Millers’ Association

USAID’s Support to the DOE in its Energy Investment Forum and Stakeholders Conference Series

Participants listen to the various plenary presentations that covered energy programs and investment opportunities, power development plans, regulatory frameworks, and financing.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi expresses his hope that the event be useful and enjoins the participants to help the government in advancing energy initiatives.

DOE Undersecretary William Fuentebella (far right) and Assistant Secretary Red Delola (far left) recognize the team of moderators from B-LEADERS.

USAID’s Support to DOE’s Energy Resiliency Public Consultations

Inputs from the different sectors are collected and clustered into recurring themes during the Tacloban session of the energy resiliency policy public consultations.

Information Drive on the Implementing Rules of Executive Order No. 30 in the Visayas and Mindanao Regions

DOE Undersecretary and EICC Chairman Jesus Posadas (left) and DOE-EPPB’s Planning Division Chief Michael Sinocruz (right) lead the open forum during the Visayas leg of the campaign.

Energy stakeholders hope for a successful application for a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS). USAID B-LEADERS supports DOE for a Streamlined Processing of Energy Permits through the Energy Virtual One Shared System

Led by then DOE Undersecretary , the workshop highlights how EVOSS will pave the way for a faster, interactive and transparent RE project

application for all agencies concerned.

DOE Secretary Carlos meets with USAID OEECC Director Jeremy Gustafson and Project Management Specialist Marian Cruz Navata along with B- LEADERS team and IPO staff led by Lisa Go to discuss the virtual platform on RE applications.

After the demo presentation of EVOSS prototype, DOE Secretary Petilla gives a go signal to continue its full development including populating EVOSS database. He also explains how

EVOSS can be replicated in other services of the other bureaus of DOE once successful.

Screenshot of EVOSS main page shows the dashboard containing deliverables, projects with pending items, and days elapsed. Shown also is a map containing location of pending RE projects.

USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele congratulates DOE Secretary Petilla and the Investment Promotion Office for spearheading the interactive virtual permit application and processing platform.

DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla thanks USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele for the technical assistance provided to the energy department including the establishment of EVOSS. USAID turns over six desktop computers during the EVOSS launch. Turn Over of Geographic Information System (GIS) Maps to the Provincial Government of Batanes

Sec. Mary Ann Lucille Sering of the CCC explains the partnership between CCC and USAID Philippines in line with the technical assistance in promoting the Ecotown Framework, which includes Batanes as one of its pilot areas.

USAID’s Support to NREB-led Green Energy Options Program (GEOP) of the Philippines

NREB Chairman, Atty. Jose Layug, Jr., welcomes all the participants in the GEOP public consultation. He cited GEOP and RPS as among the key priorities of NREB.

(From left to right): Director Mylene C. Capongcol of DOE’s Renewable Management Bureau (REMB), Chairman Atty. Jose M. Layug, Jr., and Assistant Director Marissa Cerezo of DOE-REMB lead the open forum during the culmination session of the GEOP public consultation.

During the Visayas leg for the GEOP Public Consultation, Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (MAGELCO) General Manager, Mr. Aharz Maongco, raises his concerns on the possible implications of GEOP on ECs and the possible role of ECs in producing its own RE sources for supply to its respective franchise areas.

DOE- MFO Director Manuel Llanez directly addresses concerns raised by stakeholders and participants regarding GEOP. Iloilo City’s Green Building Ordinance Workshop

Arch. Christopher de la Cruz of PhilGBC emphasizes the importance of rewarding measurable improvements in a building’s environmental performance and expounds on how green building rating tools create market incentives that shape building industry practices.

Arch. Michaela Rosette Santos of UAP highlights the importance of green buildings in promoting the welfare, productivity, and comfort of its occupants, in addition to its environmental benefits. Green Film Festival 2015 Free Viewing Launch

The CCC, in partnership with USAID B-LEADERS turns over copies of 15 Ways to LEDS Cinema Advertisement that will be shown to different schools and several SM Malls nationwide during the Green Film Festival. (From L-R) Ms. Elena Horn of SM Cares, Ms. Lily Gutierrez of USAID Philippines, Sec. Mary Ann Lucille of CCC, Ms. Lisa Selerio of SM Supermalls, Dr. Ponciano Menguito of Department of Education and Atty. Ann Nemenzo of MTRCB

(L-R) Atty. Ann Nemenzo of MTRCB, Sec. Mary Ann Lucille Sering of Climate Change Commission, Ms. Lisa Silerio of SM Supermalls, Dr. Ponciano Menguito of Department of Education and Ms. Lily Gutierrez of USAID Philippines pose for a photo opportunity session during the launch of the Green Film Festival.

CCC Vice Chairperson Sec. Mary Ann Lucille Sering explains that the Green Film Festival aims to inform about environmental issues and create awareness on their roles to protect the environment.

July 7, 2015 marks the start of the screening of Green Film Festival in 57 cinemas of SM Malls and Walter Mart. Capacity Building of Zamboanga City on Greenhouse Gas Inventory

DENR Regional Director Edgardo S. Callanta and other members of ZCAGB commit to collaborate in conducting the Zamboanga City GHG Inventory.

Representatives from Zamboanga’s Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) complete the exercises on community-level GHG emissions using the worksheets developed by USAID B-LEADERS. Workshop on the Updated Wind Energy Atlas and Geospatial Toolkit

Hands-on training on the Geospatial Toolkit with the attendees Greening the Grid (GtG) Initiatives in the Philippines

U.S. Embassy Manila’s Richard Bakewell emphasizes the importance of public- private partnerships in realizing GtG initiatives.

DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella provides his feedback on the assumptions used for achieving high variable RE penetrations into the Philippine grid.

Director Mylene C. Capongcol of the DOE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau welcomes the participants of the PLEXOS Training Workshop and encourages active participation among all participants Turnover of Infographic Book on Local Government Units GHG Inventory Best Practices

Mr. Jeremy Gustafson, Director of the Office of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, USAID Philippines joins Commissioner Emmanuel de Guzman and Asec. Joyceline Goco of the CCC in presenting the infographic book during the LGU Summit plenary in the presence of local government unit representatives.

LGU representatives and resource persons from the CCC engage the participants during the open forum at the Climate Change Consciousness Week in 2015. Infographics Competition

The USAID/B-LEADERS Project won the first Infographics Challenge by the Office of Energy, Environment and Climate Change of the USAID Philippines. The infographics’ winning topic is the two side of climate action, which is mitigation and adaptation.

Institutional Arrangements for Forestry

Participating agencies during the Institutional Arrangements for Forestry Sector include the CCC represented by Sandee Recabar, DENR’s Forest Management Bureau, and National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA).

Initiative on Integrating Energy Generation and Transmission Planning in the Philippines

DOE Undersecretary William Fuentebella leads the discussions in drafting the concept note of the study on integrating clean energy generation and transmission planning in the Philippines.

USAID’s Ms. Jennifer Leisch and NREL’s Nathan Lee guide the representatives from NAMRIA, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and other stakeholders on zone identification for RE applications.

Transport Sector Focus Group Discussion on Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)

Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering of the CCC explains the importance of INDCs.

Members of the road and rail transport agencies convene during breakout sessions to identify and reevaluate Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Options

IPCC 5th Assessment Report Outreach Event

Questions on how the government approve the summary for policymakers about the three working groups (Physical Science, Impacts Adaptation and Vulnerability, Mitigation) are raised during the open forum.

Building Energy Resilience in Isla Verde, Batangas

(Left to right): Ferdinand Geluz of Meralco, Dani Newcomb of USAID, Congressman Marvey Mariño and Mayor Beverley Dimacuha of Batangas City, Victor Chan of SunPower, and San Agapito Barangay Chair Edmar Rieta symbolically bring their shovels together to mark the groundbreaking of the Isla Verde Micro-grid Energy Resilience Project.

USAID's Deputy Chief of the Environment Office Dani Newcomb presents USAID’s memorabilia for the time capsule along with the respective mementos provided by the other partners.

SunPower formalizes the donation of solar PV modules to Batangas through the signing of the Deed of Donation. Seated from left to right are land owner and donor Ruel Cueto, Congressman Marvey Mariño, Mayor Beverley Dimacuha, Barangay Chairperson Edmar Rieta, and Victor Chan of SunPower Philippines. Standing from left to right are Dani Newcomb of USAID, and Ferdinand Geluz and Reddel Domingo of Meralco.

Launch of Sustainable Development Solutions Network Philippines

NEDA Sec. and CCC Sec. Mary Ann Lucille Sering both sharing the contributions of their respective agencies in addressing sustainable development concerns.

SDSN Director Prof. Jeffrey Sachs discussing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Hon. Arsenio Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority discusses the Philippine National Context and Initiatives in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDSN Launch Press Conference: Prof. Solita Monsod, Dr. Jeffery Sachs, Sec. Arsenio Balisacan and Fr. Edwin Gariguez discussing the national and global updates on sustainable development and how the SDSN Philippines can help implement the SDGs in the country. Capacity Building of DOE on the Use of the Climate-Smart Energy Planning Software

USAID B-LEADERS Consultant Mr. Taylor Binnington demonstrates the features of the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP) toolkit to energy planners.

DOE experts simulate different mitigation scenarios using the CBA LEAP model for the energy sector. Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) Workshop for Region IV-A and NCR LGUs

Local government representatives from Region IVA and NCR complete the two-day LCCAP Workshop in pursuit of LEDS and climate resilience.

Pasig City ENRO Chief Ms. Raquel Naciongayo assigns weighs for each identified mitigation strategy during the option prioritization exercise. USAID’s Support to Marawi City Rebuilding through Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative’s (LASURECO) Resiliency Planning

USAID and LASURECO continue joint initiatives to enhance power resilience in Marawi.

USAID Makes Life Brighter for Families at a Transitory Shelter in Marawi City

Sarimanok 2 Shelter Camp at Daytime – The installation of streetlights in public areas such as access paths, lavatories, entrance gates, and perimeter areas are carried out in consultation with the camp manager and leaders.

Sarimanok 2 Shelter Camp at Night – Solar-powered lamps have been installed at the (clockwise) gate, entrance road, central alley, and inner alleys.

Training of Marawi’s Out-of-School Youth on Basic Solar Technology

USAID B-LEADERS installation crew demonstrates how to install a solar streetlight, (left) which the OSY participants replicated during the trainings (right).

Participants actively interact with their mentors to understand the different components of solar streetlights (left) and solar PV panels (right).

OSY participants join organizers from USAID’s B- LEADERS and MYDev projects and partner government agencies for a group photo at the end of their training sessions.

Training for LASURECO and Local Crew for the Second Phase of Solar PV Streetlights in Marawi City

Resource person, Mr. Gem dela Calzada, discusses in detail the technical specifications and locations of the various installed solar PV streetlights in Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City.

Local capacities on solar PV technology have been developed in Marawi City.

Series of Trainings for the Market Operations Service (MOS) of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)

Technical staff from ERC-MOS listen intently as B-LEADERS Senior Policy Expert Michael Pitlock

elaborates on the nature of unbundled electricity charges.

Participants use the Automated Response System (ARS) for the pre- and post-tests administered for gauging the effectiveness of the training session.

USAID/Philippines Hosting a Meeting of Development Agencies on Energy Sector

USAID Office of Environment Deputy Chief Ms. Dani Newcomb together with Energy Policy Specialist Ms. Lily Gutierrez facilitate the discussion during the development agencies’ meeting.

Present during the energy sector coordination meeting are representatives from USAID, ADB, GIZ, UNDP, GGGI, EU, JICA, UNDP, UNIDO and WB.

USAID and Foundation’s Partnership for Environmental Advocacy

Miss of Miss Earth introduces B-LEADERS and facilitates the project’s interactive game called the #NowPH Crossword Puzzle. Miss Earth participants collectively brainstorm on solving the puzzle containing trivia on LEDS.

Winners of the #NowPH Crossword Puzzle pose for a photo as they receive their prizes, which are reusable metal straws.

In their storytelling session, 2017-Fire Nellza Bautista and Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo teach the participants to practice the Five Rs, which means: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Respect.

Aside from telling stories about the environment, Miss Earth 2017 international delegates also share different activities on LEDS that are being practiced in their own countries.

The participants and guest storytellers receive USAID’s 15 Ways to LEDS tumblers and notebooks as collaterals and prizes for the event.

Batangas City Supports #NowPH Campaign: the One Million Filipino Youth Voices Campaign

USAID B-LEADERS Project’s online portal on the One million Filipino Youth Voices features basic information on Climate Change and LEDS.

Barangay youth leaders start registering their pledges and posting their selfies to be counted as one in a million Filipino youth voices.

Batangas City CENRO Oliver Gonzales leads the first leg of the #NowPH campaign in Southern Luzon engaging not only the 105 Barangays but as well as the Private and NGO sectors.

Ms. Pebbles Sanchez of the CCC leads the Climate Change 101 workshop during the launch of the #NowPH campaign in Mindanao.

Participants share their experiences in their "Getting to Know" session. #NowPH Campaign also aims to gather different youth organizations who have a common goal of encouraging as many Filipinos in protecting the environment.

Dir. Romeo Montenegro of MinDA discusses the vital role of their organization in leading the #NowPH activities and promoting LEDS Mindanao campaign during the press conference.

MinDA staff joins members of the local media, CCC and the B-LEADERS team.

Leyte Normal University (LNU) shows support for the One Million Filipino Voices for Climate Action Campaign during a campus assembly.

Sirang Theater Ensemble renders a welcome song, dance and performance number as their way of support to #NowPH campaign, sharing their interpretation of environmental and socio-political challenges.

DZMM Teleradyo on the #NowPH Campaign

Sec. Lucille Sering explains #NowPH and how to pledge through online and offline platforms.

Ms. Amy Perez of DZMM Teleradyo, during the interview with Sec. Sering, proudly shows to televiewers #NowPH and explains practical ways to practice LEDS.

President Benigno S. Aquino III in the Convergence of “Treevolution of the Young” and #NowPH campaign in Davao City

President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with selected members of his Cabinet, graces the joint program of the Treevolution of the Young and #NowPH campaign at Teodoro Palma Gil Elem. School, Davao City.

Presidential Declaration of November 25 as National Day for Youth in Climate Action

During the November 25 celebration of National Day for Youth in Climate Action, CCC, NYC, and USAID B-LEADERS collaborate with High School for the implementation of a human banner to relay the messages of #NowPH campaign, televised on national TV and captured by print media photographers and social media enthusiasts.

Snapshots of the human banner activity with 1200 high school students depicting several #NowPH related messages while dancing at the open grounds at Rizal High School, City

Pasig City Mayor Maribel Eusebio along with Congressman Roman Romulo were joined by Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection Sec. Neric Acosta, NYC Commissioner Dingdong Dantes, Former CCC Chair Lucille Sering , CCC Asec. Joyceline Goco, USAID’s Energy Policy Advisor Lily Gutierrez, B-LEADERS Chief of Party Divina Chingcuanco and representatives from PLLENRO and Department of Education during the #NowPH Day

Celebration.

CCC, NYC and USAID B-LEADERS awarded the prime movers for #NowPH campaign for the LGU, academe and youth organizations including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, both organizations issued a statement indicating their full membership’s support to #NowPH campaign and commitment to promote the 15 Ways to LEDS.

USAID’s Visit to One Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center (OSFMC) in Mindanao

Ms. Lily Gutierrez, USAID OEECC’s Energy Policy Advisor, looks at the various RE project sites across Mindanao.

Ms. Lily Gutierrez, USAID OEECC’s Energy Policy Advisor gets a quick walk through of the operation of the OSFMC from MinDA officials.

Philippine Environmental Officers’ Promotion of the Development of Smarter Communities through LEDS

Mr. Danilo Villas, PLLENRO President and Regional Environment Ambassador for Luzon, proudly addresses the plenary on their 7th year as an organization, during the opening ceremony of the convention.

Mr. Joseph Foltz, Deputy Director of Office of Environment, Energy and Climate Change of USAID, via a pre-recorded video, delivers his keynote speech, giving emphasis on the importance on how LGUs can promote LEDS at the local level.

PLLENRO Advocacies on Climate Change Mitigation

Newly-elected PLLENRO officers and Regional Environment Ambassadors complete the USAID- supported Trainers’ Training on GHG Inventory and Accounting.

PLLENRO’s future GHG Inventory and Accounting trainers exchange ideas on how to effectively mentor fellow LGU ENROs.

CCC Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman and Assistant Secretary Romell Antonio O. Cuenca explore stronger partnership with PLLENRO in promoting local climate change planning and implementation.

PLLENRO Executive Council shares the group’s priority projects, programs and activities with DENR Secretary during courtesy call.

USAID’s Support to the National Convention of Local Environment Officers

Local chief executives and councilors of PLLENRO member LGUs, the PLLENRO President, USAID B-LEADERS representatives, and NSWMC join hands with Negros Oriental Governor Roel R. Degamo.

PLLENRO recognizes a select number of member LGUs as environment advocates and stewards in view of their continuous implementation and sharing of good environmental practices. Mindanao and Luzon Public Consultations on Renewable Energy Market Rules

Mr. Clares Jalocon of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) discusses the draft REM rules during the Davao (left) and Manila (right) legs of public consultations.

NREB Chairman, Atty. Jose M. Layug, Jr., answers questions on the draft REM rules and discusses the sample calculations done for RPS.

B-LEADERS Senior Policy Expert, Mr. Michael Pitlock, discusses annual increments under RPS.

USAID continues its partnership with DOE and NREB in promoting the growth of RE in the Philippines. Participants from the Davao (left) and Manila (right) legs of public consultations pose for group photos.

USAID continues to support DOE and NREB in its efforts to complete the requirements of the Renewable Energy Law and reach the country’s goal of raising the share of RE in the national energy mix to 35% by 2040. Participants from the Visayas leg of public consultations pose for group photos. DOE Focus Group Discussions on Renewable Energy Service Contracts

DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella emphasizes that the participation of project developers is important to the efficiency and integrity of the processes in the energy sector.

Palawan Exhibit and Round Table Discussion (RTD) on Power

Roxas Mayor Angela Sabando and PCART Executive Director Laurence Padilla shared the implementation challenges of the RE micro grid system during the RTD on Island Power Development Plan held at Sherridan Beach Resort, Palawan. Both cited the economic and social vbenefits of electricity provided by the installation of solar, wind and biomass technologies including the use of ice flakes machine which now provides additional livelihood to the community. First Leg of Public Consultations on the Renewable Portfolio Standards for Off-Grid Areas

Ms. Cynthia Del Rosario along with other members of the civil society express their support on the implementation of RPS Off-grid rules in Palawan.

National Power Corporation’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs, Mr. Urbano Mendiola, and NREB Chairman, Mr. Jay Layug, answer questions on the applicability of RPS in Palawan and the RE potential in the island.

The NREB and DOE together with B-LEADERS continue its efforts in the implementation of the RPS rules in off-grid areas.

Renewable Portfolio Standards Consultation in Visayas

NREB Chair, Atty. Jose Layug explains the purpose of the public consultation and the role

of the RPS in reaching the 35% RE share in the country’s energy mix by 2040.

USAID B-LEADERS Senior Policy Expert, Michael Pitlock, clarifies key points with the NREB Technical Working Group before the start of the public consultation.

Culmination of Renewable Portfolio Standards Public Consultation

NREB Chairperson, Atty. Jose M. Layug, and the head of the NREB Technical Secretariat, Director Mario Marasigan, discuss with B-LEADERS team the comments and suggestions raised during the series of public consultations. The team also plans for the implementation of RPS on-grid rules. USAID and DOE’s Assessment of Potential Pilot Sites in Bohol and Palawan for the Demonstration of Infrastructure Resilience Using Smart Technology

BLCI’s General Manager Engr. Eulogio M. Signe shows their substation in Dampas

district.

BOHECO I management commits to collaborate with USAID and DOE if chosen as pilot site for the smart grid technology application in Bohol.

During courtesy call, Bohol Provincial Governor Edgar Chatto affirms support to smart grid technology initiatives to support the ’s grid resiliency.

Team visits the VisSolis Solar Rooftop project at the City Hall.

Joint Philippines–U.S. Grid Resiliency Team on the Successful Installation of Smart Resiliency and Monitoring Equipment

PALECO, represented by its General Manager Ric , affirms its commitment to actively participate in the Joint Philippines–U.S. Grid Resiliency partnership to demonstrate the use of smart grid resiliency and monitoring system for electric cooperatives.

U.S. and PALECO engineers and technicians eagerly work on finalizing the line diagrams featuring the new system. USAID Strengthens Partnership with MinDA for a Resilient Mindanao

MinDA Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto welcomes the USAID delegation led by Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II while enthusiastically sharing the history of Mindanao and how the island’s socio-economic development evolved.

MinDA Undersecretary Janet Lopoz shares the projects and programs supported by USAID through B-LEADERS and its predecessorproject.

MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro (right) leads the walkthrough of the OSFMC. He explains how OSFMC helped fast-track the permitting process by highlighting two of the now operating power plants in Mindanao—Lamsan Incorporated and Hedcor, Inc. Hedcor is represented by its Business Development Supervisor (middle right).

MinDA Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto presents a token of appreciation to Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II for USAID’s continued support to Mindanao in promoting LEDS and energy resiliency. USAID’s Sustained Partnership under the New DOE Stewardship

USAID led by Deputy Mission Director Clay Epperson reaffirms the partnership between USAID and DOE under the new leadership. USAID and NWRB’s Partnership for Water-Energy-Food Nexus Initiatives

B-LEADERS hydrologist, Mr. Benjamin Lord, (left) and energy policy expert, Mr. Michael Pitlock, (right) share key considerations in pursuing water-energy-food nexus in the country.

Integrative Analysis of Water, Energy, and Food Concerns with Various Government Agencies

Mr. Ben Lord, B-LEADERS hydrology expert, guides participants in using the QGIS

tool.

Workshop participants identify and selecting their own case study watershed using workshop tools to create shape files and input data for hydrological resource assessment and management. USAID, MinDA Conduct Capacity Building Workshop on the Power Sector

B-LEADERS Senior Policy Expert Michael Pitlock explains the concept of the government-applied inter-grid (Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao) cross subsidies in the Philippine power sector.

B-LEADERS resource person, Michael Pitlock, interacts with the technical personnel of MinDA to elaborate on the power issues in Mindanao and the implications of BOL.