THE SILLIMAN University expressed its support for the proposed Negros Oriental Renewable Energy Code, an ordinance that aims to promote renewable energy in the province.

Melita Aguilar, SU Office of Information and Publications Director, said that the university believed that energy resources would allow a dynamic growth for communities in Negros Oriental.

Atty. Jose Baldado, Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and principal author of the ordinance, said that the regulation “needs to be passed otherwise executive orders made by the provincial government on renewable energy would not be enforceable.”

“Silliman University fully supports the move to institutionalize the ordinance of Negros Oriental Renewable Energy Code declaring the province as an environment-friendly and a clean energy province,” Aguilar said.

Since 2016, SU has been using solar panels, which were installed at the College of Business Administration building, SU Main Library, and the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium.

“In its commitment to environmental conservation and protection, SU is an advocate for renewable energy. SU is also a longtime academic partner of the EDC, the largest producer of geothermal energy in the country, for its various corporate social responsibility projects such as the BINHI Program,” the university said.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos lauded the effort of the province to accelerate the promotion, development, and utilization of indigenous renewable energy resources.

He urged the province to adopt “more concrete and time-bound” provisions in the proposed ordinance.

“We need firm policies that would finally end the use of fossil fuels in the Negros Island and remove barriers to the development and utilization of renewable energy,” Alminaza said.

“The phaseout of unnecessary coal consumption must be pursued. The phaseout of coal will not diminish energy security in Negros since renewable resources can sufficiently supply energy,” he added.