Filipino climate and energy professionals, led by the Climate Change Commission (CCC), broug≈ht home from New Zealand valuable expertise on renewable energy management aimed at supporting the Philippines’ transition to cleaner and more resilient energy systems.

In a news release Tuesday, Aimee Evangelista, who represented the CCC, said the Renewable Energy Project Management (REPM) Short Course under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme was fully funded by the New Zealand Government through its International Development Programme.

The month-long training held from May 26 to June 24 was organized with the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Education New Zealand (Manapou ki te Ao).

Aside from the Philippines, the training, designed to strengthen the capacity of professionals across Southeast Asia in managing renewable energy projects, was also participated in by Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

“Specifically, the training aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with renewable energy deployment in the ASEAN region; strengthen their knowledge of project management frameworks and core principles; and develop practical skills to effectively apply project management methodologies in renewable energy initiatives,” the CCC said.

From the Philippines, aside from the CCC, representatives from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Bangsamoro Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE-BARMM), and ACEN, an award-winning renewable energy firm, attended the training.

The course combined technical insights on solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass energy with hands-on lessons in project management, helping participants tackle the real challenges of expanding renewable energy in local contexts.

The scholarship was awarded to equip participants with the skills and experience necessary to contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of their home countries upon return.

The CCC stressed that upskilling government and private sector professionals is key to delivering the country’s climate goals under its Nationally Determined Contribution and National Climate Change Action Plan.

The CCC also thanked the New Zealand government for its continued support, which strengthens regional cooperation on sustainable energy and climate action. (PNA)