Philippines gets US$4.6 million EU clean energy grant

Financial aid to assist the Philippines switch to sustainable consumption and production.

The European Union grant will be used to fund projects aimed at promoting cleaner and more energy-efficient production and consumption. It is part of the EU’s SWITCH-Asia Program.

SWITCH-Asia is a regional grant facility that aims to contribute to green growth, poverty reduction and climate change mitigation in Asia, specifically by promoting sustainable modes of consumption and production.

The Philippines is one of four pilot countries receiving grants under the program, along with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

The EU recognized the Philippines for having adopted a comprehensive legal framework for sustainable consumption and production, including policies such as the Renewable Energy and Biofuels Act and the Clean Air Act.

But the full and effective implementation of such policies is hampered by structural and budgetary constraints, noted the EU.

Under SWITCH-Asia, government agencies tasked with enforcing relevant laws on sustainable production and consumption will be provided technical assistance and training. The program will operate until December 2016.