The program was part of DOE’s mandate to develop indigenous energy resources pursuant to Republic Act 9513 otherwise known as “Renewable Energy Act of 2008”. As a policy of the government to encourage and accelerate the exploration, development and increase the utilization of renewable energy resources. These renewable energy resources are generated through biomass, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and ocean energy sources among others.
With the MOA, DOE recognizes the potentials of the Eastern Samar State University in terms of expertise, resources and contributions in ensuring proper and effective formulation, implementation and evaluation programs, projects and activities that are responsive and complementary to the ever changing needs of the stakeholders in Eastern Samar and clienteles in the Renewable Energy sector in the Philippines.
On the other hand, ESSU is mandated under the charter to undertake research and extension services or outreach programs, and to establish partnership with any entity for the attainment of its mandates along with the thrusts and priorities of the national government.
In her opening remarks VP Baquilod laid down the challenges required antecedent to the MOA signing and the obligations ESSU will undertake to reach fruition of the program. She also mentioned University of Eastern Philippines, whose AREC Director, Engr. Lidany Cornilles was present during the event for sharing the chunk of the opportunity to ESSU to become an AREC. Formerly, UEP was the sole AREC for the whole Samar Island.
Engr. Arnaldo N. Villalon, ESSU-AREC Project Director stated that this will invigorate research and extension capabilities of ESSU along the line of renewable energy due to the funding that will be channelled to the University from the DOE. Villalon also revealed that with the sizable amount given by the DOE, the University can now start implementing a solar energy farm which will double as Student Center where the rice land in front of the Administration Building is currently located.
Assistant Secretary Ariaso, in his message, said that he fulfils his promise made during his keynote address during the Foundation Day Celebration of the University in Salcedo Campus last year. “Renewable energy must be magnified as it is a priority program of the government,” he said. AREC, he mentioned, is a multidisciplinary approach that would involve the expertise of the University along various disciplines. “Many were asking why ESSU was chosen to be an AREC,” and his short reply was, “Why not!” Again, just like in his keynote address last year he was nostalgic of his memorable experience as a student in ESSC when the University was still a college. ESSU’s edge is not only in its capability to deliver but also from the people like ASec. Ariaso who believed in that capability.
In closing, President Campoto assured the DOE that he will personally check on the implementation of the program as he wanted that the responsibilities and equity of the University relative to the MOA will be fulfilled. “There are so much benefits that can be derived by the University and other stakeholders from the AREC that we cannot afford to fail,” he said.
To ensure the full implementation of the program President Campoto designated Engr. Arnaldo N. Villalon as Project Director/Leader, Engr. Aimee T. Tuting as Technical Division Head, Engr. Noel P. Pacayra as Research Development Head, and Engr. Rodito A. Acol as Socio-Economic and Extension Head. AABalbin
