PBBM seeks enhanced cooperation with ROK on renewable energy

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed hope to explore opportunities for technological cooperation on renewable energy sources with the Republic of Korea. In his intervention at the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Republic of Korea Summit, the President told his fellow leaders that part of healing the environment is lessening the dependence on fossil fuels.

“Given the ROK’s expertise in harnessing renewable energies, let us explore opportunities for technological cooperation aimed at securing reliable electricity supply sourced from renewable sources,” Marcos said. that attention must be given to terrestrial biodiversity.

Marcos said the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity in the Philippines leads the ASEAN Green Initiative to plant 10 million native trees in 10 years, across all 10 ASEAN Member States.

“Let us be close partners in this project,” the President said.

Marcos also mentioned in his intervention the ASEANROK Plan of Action for 20212025 or the cooperation on safety and security, search and rescue, freedom of navigation and overflight, the exercise of selfrestraint, non-use of force and peaceful resolution of disputes, unimpeded lawful commerce, the protection and conservation of the marine environment and sustainability of oceans.

“Only substantive and effective maritime cooperation can yield valuable and meaningful benefits that will enrich both our regions,” he said.

The President also urged his fellow leaders that as part of sustainable oceans and fisheries management, marine resources must be allowed to thrive and replenish themselves.

The chief executive looks forward to the Philippines’ participation as ministers and senior officials work together to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, to ensure that significant ocean resources will still be available for the following generations.

President Marcos has recently given the Department of Energy (DOE) the green light for its plan to explore and develop the country’s offshore wind (OSW) potential as a source of clean and sustainable energy.

There are currently 42 approved offshore wind contracts with an indicated capacity of 31,000 Megawatts (MW), according to DOE.