08 March 2016- The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi reported that Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. presented his letters of credence to H.E. Adnan Amin, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on February 23. Ambassador Vingno is the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to IRENA. 

During the presentation, the Ambassador confirmed the continued support of the Philippine Government to the objectives and programs of IRENA. During the tenure of the undersigned as the Permanent Representative, he will encourage a more active participation of the Philippine Government in the activities of IRENA.    

Ambassador Vingno highlighted the various initiatives of the Philippines to increase renewables in its energy mix. The government is pushing for an increase in renewable-based capacity by 200% in the next 20 years.  He mentioned the country’s goal to be #1 in the world in terms of installed capacity for geothermal energy. Currently, the Philippines is #1 in the world in terms of electricity output from geothermal sources.  

Director General Adnan Amin welcomed the Ambassador and expressed his appreciation of the support that the Philippines had been extending IRENA since its inception. He mentioned that IRENA is currently conducting two projects in the Philippines – the Renewable Energy Readiness Assessment and the Philippines Mini-grid Assessment. END