TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar is taking a step toward sustainable development with the formalization of a partnership aimed at promoting a fair and inclusive transition to renewable energy.
The provincial government of Eastern Samar, along with the local governments of Borongan City and Dolores, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Oxfam Pilipinas on March 17, 2026, under the RE-Start Campaign 4.
The signing ceremony was led by Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, together with Oxfam Pilipinas Executive Director Maria Rosario Felizco, Dolores Mayor Zaldy Carpeso, and City Councilor Kathlyn Cainday, who represented Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda.
The agreement aims to make energy planning and decision-making more inclusive by ensuring the active participation of women and marginalized sectors, particularly communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Officials emphasized that the initiative goes beyond adopting renewable energy technologies, highlighting the importance of climate justice and equitable access to opportunities for all sectors. The partnership also provides mechanisms for funding support and legal assistance for green projects in the province.
A “just energy transition” refers to shifting from fossil fuel-based systems to renewable energy in a way that is fair and inclusive, ensuring that vulnerable communities benefit from and are not disadvantaged by the transition, while supporting sustainable economic growth.
Provincial officials expressed optimism that the collaboration will help position Eastern Samar as a model for clean, inclusive, and community-centered energy development in the country.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
