Powering progress: ASoG supports LGUs in championing clean energy

From February to April 2025, the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), through its Executive Education Program, rolled out a series of training courses aimed at building the capacity of local government units (LGUs) to advance the country's Just Energy Transition. The program reached representatives from LGUs and the Department of Energy across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to support a shift toward low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive energy systems.

This initiative is part of ASoG’s continued commitment to address the pressing competency gaps within LGUs in line with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285). Through practical, evidence-based modules, the training series supported LGU officers in implementing energy transition strategies that are both impactful and sustainable.

As part of the program preparation, a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis (TNA) was developed in 2024 to assess LGU readiness in implementing the RA 11285. The TNA revealed critical gaps in technical, managerial, and behavioral competencies - particularly in energy auditing, data management, local energy planning, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Despite strong commitment and positive attitude toward this, weaknesses pointed to applied skills and institutional resources needed for effective implementation. The insights gathered informed the program’s modular design and blended learning format tailored to the unique learning needs and operational contexts of LGUs. 

The 2025 Capacity-Building Program was structured around four specialized courses, each with specific objectives aligned with the law’s implementation, was enriched by expertise and real-world insights of a diverse set of resource persons from academe, government, and the development sector:

Energy Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
6-7 February 2025, online
This interactive 16-hour course focused on leadership strategies and stakeholder engagement approaches essential for implementing low-carbon energy transition programs. Participants strengthened their leadership capabilities to help champion sustainable energy initiatives within their communities under RA 11285. Dr Maria Ofelia Cinco Ocaña-Alcantara MD ,MPH, former Municipal Mayor of Tolosa, Leyte and current DOH consultant, led the Energy Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement sessions. With over 35 years of experience in public health and local governance, she shared concrete lessons on implementing community-based programs, drawing from her work as mayor and her collaborations with national agencies and international organizations. Having completed all energy courses under the Access to Sustainable Energy Programme–Clean Energy Living Laboratories (ASEP-CELLs) project, and with firsthand experience in initiating a renewable energy project in her municipality, Dr Alcantara’s contributions provided grounded and practical perspectives that enriched the learning experience for LGU participants.

Energy Audit and Data Management 
10 February 2025, online;
17-18 February 2025, Cagayan de Oro City
This course strengthened the participants’ skills to conduct effective energy audits and analyze energy data to support the implementation of energy efficiency policies. The session covered essential principles and techniques to identify efficiency improvements and reduce carbon footprints in government operations. The sessions were facilitated by Ms Cristine May Creayla Salvaloza, Department Chair of Electrical Engineering, Gunnar Marc Shane C Cabaraban, Professional Electrical Engineer and Consultant for the Department of Agriculture-Region 10 projects, and Dr Rogelio C Golez Jr, Professional Mechanical Engineer and Assistant Professor of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.
 

Energy Planning and Policy Development
12 February 2025, online; 
19-20 February 2025, Cagayan de Oro City
This course helped LGUs enhance their capacity to develop government energy management plans, formulate energy efficiency frameworks, and craft local energy policies in compliance with RA 11285. Participants explored principles of energy policy development, governance, and strategic planning to build more sustainable systems. Dr. Rogelio C. Golez, Jr., alongside Engr. Primo B. Revilla III, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Focal Person of the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, led the sessions on Energy Planning and Policy Development.
 

Energy Financing 
24 February 2025, online; 
27-28 February 2025, Tacloban City

This session focused on strengthening LGU capacity to access and manage funding for energy efficiency projects. Participants examined financing mechanisms, public-private partnership models, grant sourcing, and investment planning through practical exercises and peer learning. The first session on the Energy Financing course was facilitated by Mr. Arturo Tahup, Director for Community Resilience at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, and Engr. Revilla, while the in-person sessions were led by Dr. Golez with support from Engr. Cabaraban and Atty. Janet L. Dacillo from the Development Bank of the Philippines - Tacloban Lending Center.

Energy Audit, Planning, and Policy Development 
2-4 April 2025, Ateneo de Manila University
This final in-person module offered a comprehensive and integrated workshop covering key components of energy auditing, planning, and policy development for LGUs, reinforcing the skills built throughout the program. The sessions featured Engr. Revilla and Dr. Golez as lead resource persons.
 

By the end of the series, LGU participants reported enhanced capabilities in energy auditing, planning, and financing—critical areas that support the national goal of achieving a fair and effective energy transition. More than just imparting technical knowledge, the program fostered leadership and collaboration among LGUs, strengthening their role in driving inclusive and sustainable energy practices in their communities.

In alignment with the Ateneo de Manila University’s Lux in Domino strategy, ASoG affirms its commitment to ecological conversion, environmental justice, and sustainable development. By empowering LGUs to lead in the just energy transition advocacy, ASoG advances the University’s mission to form leaders who are not only competent and ethical but also deeply responsive to the climate crisis and its impact on marginalized communities. This initiative reflects ADMU’s broader goal of promoting integral ecology through transformative governance and collaborative action at the local level.