Part of the US-PH relations
(US EMBASSY TO THE PHILIPPINES)
ILOILO CITY– More than 20 journalists across the country attended a two-day media seminar sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines which delved into the theme of energy security.
The annual seminar, now on its 16th year, was held from July 8 to 9.
In her opening address, MaryKay Carlson, the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, highlighted the critical nature of energy security to both economic prosperity and national security.
Drawing parallels between the energy challenges faced by both the Philippines and the US, Carlson emphasized the shared commitment to addressing high energy costs, grid reliability issues, and the transition to renewable energy.
“In line with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the United States is making unprecedented investments to modernize our electric grid and accelerate the clean energy transition. This positions us well to meet our emissions targets under the Paris Agreement,” the ambassador, who delivered her remark through online, said.
She lauded the Philippines’ efforts under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 and boost the renewable energy mix to 50% by 2040, reaffirming U.S. support for these ambitious goals.
One of the significant milestones in U.S.-Philippine energy cooperation is the civil nuclear cooperation agreement, also known as the 123 Agreement, signed in November 2023 which took effect on July 2.
The agreement is seen to enhance the cooperation between the two countries on clean energy and energy security, the US State Department said in a separate press statement.
It also provides a legal framework for allowing American companies to export nuclear material, equipment, and components to another country.
“(Also, it will) strengthen our long-term bilateral diplomatic and economic relationships,” it said.
The US State Department also said that the 123 Agreement ‘is anchored on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation.’
In her speech, Ambassador Carlson also underscored the crucial role of journalists in educating the public on technical subjects like energy and holding stakeholders accountable.
She reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting a free and independent press through initiatives like the media seminar. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
