TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial board in Eastern Samar is advancing two key measures aimed at cushioning the impact of volatile fuel prices and accelerating the shift to renewable energy, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the province’s economic resilience.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently held a public hearing on the proposed ordinances, which officials say come at a time when rising fuel costs and supply chain disruptions continue to affect transport fares, agricultural production, and the overall cost of living in the province.
The hearing, led by Board Member Atty. PJ Evardone, was attended by representatives from national government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (Esamelco), along with stakeholders from the transport sector and academe.
Central to the discussions were two proposed measures authored by Evardone: the Eastern Samar Economic Resilience and Fuel Shock Mitigation Ordinance and the Renewable Energy Promotion Ordinance.
The Economic Resilience and Fuel Shock Mitigation Ordinance seeks to establish a Provincial Economic Resilience Council that will monitor economic trends and coordinate immediate response measures during fuel price surges.
It also proposes a digital price monitoring system and targeted assistance for vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and small livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Renewable Energy Promotion Ordinance aims to lessen the province’s reliance on expensive imported fuel by promoting alternative energy sources.
A key provision is the “Green LGUs Program,” which requires at least 30 percent of the energy consumption of provincial government facilities to come from renewable sources by 2030.
The measure also outlines incentives to attract investors, including tax discounts, faster permit processing, and subsidies for renewable energy projects.
Provincial officials said the twin ordinances are expected to draw investments in solar, wind, and hydropower, reduce electricity costs for households and businesses, create jobs in the renewable energy sector, and cut pollution linked to fossil fuel use.
Both measures remain under deliberation as the provincial government continues to explore long-term solutions to energy challenges affecting Eastern Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
