Access to Sustainable Energy Programme-Clean Energy Living Laboratories (ASEP-CELLs) is a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) in partnership with Manila Observatory (MO), ICLEI-SEAS, Xavier University (XU) and University of San Carlos (USC).

The project supports the Department of Energy through the funding of the European Union in achieving 100% rural electrification through renewable energy, thus increasing the share of renewable energy in the Philippines’ energy mix, and promoting energy efficiency towards sustainable and inclusive growth.

From 2019 to 2021, ASEP-CELLs will build knowledge management, invest in capacity-building and promote advocacy. Through its CELLs in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the project will produce research studies to enhance energy policy-making and program interventions, strengthen capacities to help institutions better respond to sustainable low-carbon renewable energy challenges; and increase public awareness and stakeholder engagement to sustain political support and commitment to low-carbon renewable energy pathway, energy efficiency, and energy access.

Specifically, ASEP-CELLs’ researches and activities will (a) recommend appropriate sites and technologies through profiling and mapping; (b) enhance existing energy policies and programs through assessment studies; (c) streamline mandates of institutions to ensure effective and collaborative implementation;
(d) strengthen capacities of institutions and energy specialists to mainstream national energy policies and plans into local governance through technical assistance and knowledge exchange activities; (e) empower social enterprises towards the creation of jobs to support and sustain community-based energy initiatives and (f) open channels of advocacy platforms for sustained dialogue.

Ateneo School of Government

Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) serves as the main implementer and overall coordinator of ASEP-CELLs. Recognized as a strong ally of the Philippine Government in developing energy and climate policies, ASOG is also an international supporter of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, among others, in pushing for global cooperation and immediate action towards low carbon development.

Manila Observatory

Manila Observatory (MO) leads the scientific, technical and research services on knowledge production, development and management for renewable energy, energy access and energy efficiency information, policy and decision support. MO’s expertise will support ASEP-CELLs’ knowledge management, capacity-building and advocacy activities through its (i) Regional Climate Systems Laboratory, (ii) Geomatics for Environment and Development Laboratory and (iii) Air Quality Dynamics and Instrumentation and Development Technology Development Laboratory.

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability Southeast Asia Secretariat

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability Southeast Asia Secretariat (ICLEI-SEAS) fosters knowledge sharing, peer-to-peer learning, and international networking among local governments. ICLEI-SEAS’ capacity-building services will guide partners to develop measures towards low emission rural and urban development pathways for a smooth transition to sustainable renewable energy solutions. ICLEI-SEAS will also assist the three CELLs in the development of local champions who will advance sustainable energy policies and solutions in the country.

Xavier University

Xavier University (XU) is committed to the growth of communities in the areas of energy and environmental management, techno-entrepreneurship, agro-industrial processes and urban-rural development in Mindanao. Thus, the institution leads socio-economic and technical researches in renewable energy, energy access and energy efficiency in the region. Under ASEP-CELLs, the University will serve as the research, training, advocacy-support hub in Mindanao.

University of San Carlos

University of San Carlos (USC) functions as ASEP-CELLs’ institutional partner in the Visayas. The University’s Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies (CREST) focuses on basic and applied research to solve current and potential problems and provide alternative energy production methods with emphasis on efficiency, affordability, sustainability and environmental impact.

The European Union

With €3.89 million in funding support to ASEP-CELLs, the European Union (EU) provides strategic guidance to ensure that the project’s services are aligned with the Access to Sustainable Energy Programme of the Department of Energy and the EU.

Advisory Board Members

Director Mylene Capongcol
Department of Energy
Renewable Energy Management Bureau

Chrysogonus F. Herrera
Meralco PowerGen Corporation
Senior Vice-President, Commercial and Planning

Atty. Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla
Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, Inc.
Former Secretary, Department of Energy

Dr. Majah Leah Ravago
Department of Economics, Ateneo School of Government
Associate Professor

Josephine Mangila-Tioseco
European Union-Access to Sustainable Energy Project
Energy Efficiency Strategy Expert

Dr. Josef T. Yap
Access to Sustainable Energy Project-Clean Energy Living Laboratories
Senior Technical Advisor

Atty. Maris Cardenas
The Centre
Executive Director

Steering Committee Members

Giovanni Serritella
European Union
Programme Manager for Environment and Climate Change

Divinagracia Somera
European Union
Contracts and Finance Officer

Ivy Baysic
Ateneo School of Government
Head, Ateneo Policy Center

Atty. Tony La Viña
Manila Observatory
Director

Yla Paras
Manila Observatory
Senior Policy Advisor

Vic Aquitana
ICLEI-SEAS
Director

Dominique Ortiz
ICLEI-SEAS
Project Officer

Dr. Dextor Lo
Xavier University
Project Manager

Engr. Rogelio Golez, Jr.
Xavier University
Project Leader

Dr. Evelyn Taboada
University of San Carlos
Project Head

Dr. Josef Yap
Project Management Office
Senior Technical Advisor

Maria Cecilia Benavidez
Project Management Office
Project Manager

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Dr. Josef Yap
Senior Technical Advisor

Maria Cecilia Benavidez
Project Manager

Neoman Roxas
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Medea Delos Santos
Program Officer

Camille Joy Enalbes
Advocacy and Communications Officer

Raul S. Dela Pena
Administrative and Finance Officer

Joyce Marie Lagac
Research Associate to the Senior Technical Advisor

Kim Magdaong
Program Associate

Sofia Annella Wenceslao
Research Assistant

Vince Kim Tutor
Administrative and Accounting Clerk

Janette Lapuz
Finance Assistant