OVERVIEW
 
The Philippines’ heavy reliance on foreign sources of energy in the power and transport sectors raises energy costs and results in an unfavorable investment climate compared to other countries in the region. About three million households still remain without electricity. Weak enforcement of vehicle emission standards contributes to worsening air quality in the major urban centers of the country. Nearly half of the country’s population is without access to piped water at the household level. Illegal and destructive fishing practices and conversion of forestlands threaten food security and productivity of the country’s marine and forest resources, which have biological significance worldwide.
 
USAID assists the Philippines to address four key challenges in the energy and environment sectors: competitiveness, corruption, conflict and conservation. Special attention is given to Mindanao in the southern Philippines, which has an extraordinary natural resource base that could make even greater contributions to national food security were it not for continuing violent conflict and weak governance which hinders sustainable development.
 
Three areas: 
 

• Energy Sector Performance
  
• Environmental Governance
  
• Urban Environmental Management

 
Energy Sector Performance: USAID supports the efforts of the Philippine Department of Energy to pursue energy independence, rural electrification, and power sector reforms. USAID promotes indigenous and clean fuels through the development of the country’s extensive natural gas reserves and greater reliance upon wind, solar, hydro and other renewable energy sources. Through a public-private alliance, USAID is providing renewable energy-powered electricity to thousands of households in remote, conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. USAID also provides technical assistance to the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission to implement reforms to encourage investments and protect consumers’ interests.
 
Environmental Governance: In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, USAID assists local governments and communities to improve governance of natural resources and conserve biodiversity through greater transparency and accountability, and local stakeholder participation. USAID programs seek to reduce threats to biodiversity such as illegal logging, over-fishing and use of destructive fishing practices. USAID also works to raise public awareness and support dialogues within communities to resolve legal disputes concerning the use, access and management of their natural resources.
 
Urban Environmental Management: USAID works with a range of stakeholders to improve urban environmental management, implement activities to reduce vehicle emissions, increase private investment in water supply and sanitation, and promote integrated solid waste management. USAID is supporting local governments and communities to assess, plan, procure, dispose and manage solid waste. A number of USAID-supported recycling and composting efforts are generating income while reducing health hazards and environmental risks.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
 
Rolf Anderson
Chief, Office of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change
Tel. No. 301-6000
E-mail: infoph@usaid.gov