Duterte should encourage renewable energy

I will have to give the President an F for his televised speech last Aug. 23. It was the same speech he gave at the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Customs. I am quite critical because he seemed to be sidetracked by current events and his sworn policies that we already know. There’s always time for those issues and I am quite sure there will be more coming.

The President missed an opportunity in showcasing a new exciting industry that will cut our country’s dependence on fossil fuel like oil and coal. Renewable energy is a real catalyst for job creation as well.

I was hoping the President will be gung-ho about solar technology and maybe use his bully pulpit to force utility firms into purchasing electricity from private solar providers (homeowners) at an equal rate just to “incentivize” or jump- start a new market.

It is a real move forward for our country if the President believes in this type of technology and shows support; everybody will be more akin to start converting to solar or other types of renewable energy.

JOSE SANTAMARIA,j_e_santamaria@hotmail.com