THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and Nestlé Philippines are upbeat on the development of renewable energy (RE) and service delivery in Mindanao as they cited the need for continuous collaboration between government and industry in driving growth in the region's shift to alternative energy.

A hybrid forum held on September 8 in Davao gathered key stakeholders in the energy industry to discuss the important role of RE and service delivery in Mindanao as well as its current energy landscape.

"As a food and beverage company, we protect nature because we depend on its gifts. This is why tackling climate change is a top priority for us with our Net Zero Roadmap focusing on sourcing responsibly, shaping a waste-free future and transforming our operations," he said.

"Business-wise, switching to renewables is advantageous because it saves on energy costs, strengthens stakeholder relations and enhances corporate sustainability," Uy noted.

"We can, as companies, reduce our GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by scaling up our clean energy competitiveness and innovations for a more sustainable environment. In doing so, we will help to harness the potential of renewable energy and contribute to the growth of the energy sector. It is a win-win proposition both for businesses and the planet. There is great potential for renewable energy in Mindanao, offering timely opportunities for the energy industry. That is why we are holding this forum," he explained.

Nestlé Philippines, a major food and beverage manufacturer, operates its factories in Luzon and main office in Makati on 100-percent RE. This is in line with its commitment to achieve Nestlé's global ambition of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. To further expand its RE program, it aims to run its Cagayan de Oro factory, its only manufacturing facility outside Luzon and the hub of Nescafé production in the country, on RE.

The forum was held under the ECCP's REPH100 Initiative, a private sector-driven effort supporting the Green Energy Option Program of the Department of Energy.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/13/business/corporate-news/eccp-nestle-upbeat-on-mindanao-re/1858207