The training arm of the Ateneo School of Government, its Executive Education Program, recently concluded the online short course training entitled Energy Leadership: Energizing Champions for Sustainable Energy Source, as part of the Access to Sustainable Energy Programme-Clean Energy Living Laboratories (ASEP-CELLs) project funded by the European Union. The training ran from December 7 to 10, 2020, and was participated by 24 officials from different local government units all over the country and non-government organizations.
The training highlighted the need for strategic and systems thinking among local chief executives to properly navigate the complexities of the energy systems. With that, the training was designed to equip the participants with competencies on how to lead change in people’s behavior, lifestyle, perspective, and choices in energy use and access. Apart from that, the participants also learned how to build networks, coalitions, and mediate conflicts for energy transitions and strengthen governance institutions to create the enabling environment for transitions to sustainable energy. The training has four modules: (1) Overview of the National Energy Policy Environment; (2) Strategic Thinking & Systems Thinking; (3) Leadership styles in Energy Transitions, and; (4) Best Practices of LGUs in Sustaining Change in Energy-Efficiency Behaviors and Consumption.
The training was implemented using live interaction with subject matter experts (synchronous). In addition, learning assessments through simulation activities, group reports, and outputs, among others was also facilitated. Apart from that, learning materials were also distributed to the participants to supplement the sessions. The experts that facilitated the modules were former Department of Energy Secretary Francisco L. Viray, Ph.D., and public policy expert Dr. Teodoro Lloydon C. Bautista.
The synchronous session for the first module (Overview of the National Energy Policy Environment) was held on December 7. The purpose of this module was to revisit the LGUs’ vision, mission, and goals with the intention of aligning the LGU’s Local Energy-efficiency & Conservation Plan (LEECP) with the National Energy-efficiency & Conservation (NEEC) plans and strategies. Specifically, Dr. Viray provided an overview of national energy legislations and policies and the role of LGUs as stipulated in RA 12285.
Meanwhile, the second module (Strategic Thinking & Systems Thinking) was held on December 8. This module aimed to demonstrate a systems perspective in the integration of the LGU’s energy-efficiency and conservation programs, projects, and activities. Dr. Bautista first differentiated strategic thinking and systems thinking then discussed the integration of both. Moreover, Dr. Bautista also delved into the current state of play and strategic forecasts in the country’s energy sector.
The third module (Leadership Styles in Energy Transitions) was held on December 9. The goal of this module was to lead changes in energy-efficiency behaviors and consumption lifestyles among the constituents. Dr. Bautista gave a lecture on technical and adaptive challenges. Aside from that, Dr. Bautista also taught the participants how to design plans with key stakeholders and evaluate programs, projects, and activities based on specific, clear, and objective performance measures. He illustrated how to compute for costing, equity payback, and return on investment among other things to hone the project assessment skills of the participants.
Lastly, held on December 10, the fourth module (Best Practices of LGUs in Sustaining Change in Energy-Efficiency Behaviors and Consumption Lifestyles) aimed to sustain the energy transition to sustainable energy systems through stakeholder ownership of the plan. With that, Dr. Viray thoroughly discussed the contexts, components, and accomplishments of the Power Patrol Program to shed light on the intricacies of implementing an energy conservation program.
The training session was capped by a presentation from the participants. Each group had to present regarding the current energy efficiency and conservation programs implemented in their localities. Moreover, the group presentations also detailed the experiences of host LGUs of renewable energy in dealing with their constituents and the issues and challenges they face and ways to address them.
Testimonies were also presented where participants were asked to share their experiences and insights into the course. As most of the participants were from local government units, they lauded how the training equipped them with tools and knowledge that would help them in designing and implementing programs for the energy sector in their areas. Furthermore, some of them also mentioned how the course took note of the possible on-ground constraints and challenges.
Aside from theoretical knowledge of energy and energy efficiency and conservation, the training also discussed the realities and complications that arise in implementing energy-related projects and programs. Participants were also taught how to properly respond and handle these complications to achieve outcomes of the energy-related project.
The ASoG-ExecEd has other training programs in the pipeline. The unit also does customized courses for your specific organization’s needs. To know more about our capacity development programs, please reach us through the email address execed.asog@ateneo.edu.