January 13, 2004
U.S. Energy Secretary Abraham visits RP
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (center)
congratulates United States Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham (right)
and Philippine Energy Secretary Vince Perez as she receives from them
copies of the memorandum of agreement they signed to strengthen the
two countries’ Sustainable Energy Development Program and to promote
the use of cleaner burning fuels in vehicles during a ceremony in Malacanang
Palace on January 13. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the
Philippine Department of Energy, and the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID), the $5-million Sustainable Energy Development Program
includes the assistance of U.S. advisors to support the Philippine Department
of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission as they implement the
2001 Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
As (from left:) Presidential Executive Secretary Alberto
Romulo, Philippine Energy Secretary Perez and U.S. Energy Secretary
Abraham watch, President Arroyo turns on the switch that symbolically
lights up more than 5,000 homes of former rebel soldiers in 160 remote
and conflicted communities in Mindanao by the end of this year. Communities
there are supplied electricity through the Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid
Renewable Energy (AMORE) project. Mirant Philippines, the largest U.S.
energy firm investor in the Philippine power sector, provides equipment
worth about $3.2 million to the AMORE project, while USAID provides
$6.4 million in assistance to strengthen the local communities’
ability to operate, maintain and protect the renewable energy systems.
“The Philippines and the United States share a long
tradition of close relationship and cooperation, which is exemplified
in our agreement to pursue energy initiatives of mutual benefit to enhance
each country’s energy security,” Secretary Abraham remarked
during the January 13 ceremony in Malacanang. “I’m especially
pleased to participate in the AMORE project, which stands as another
example of U.S. companies acting as good corporate citizens in the Philippines
and our countries’ mutual commitment to democracy and human rights.”
(Left photo:) Secretary Abraham calls on President Arroyo
before signing the memorandum of understanding in Malacanang ceremonial
hall. (Right photo:) U.S. Ambassador Francis Ricciardone (right) accompanies
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Albert to the ceremonial
hall.
Related link:
U.S. Energy Secretary Abraham visits RP
(press release)
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