On January 6, officials from the Department of Energy (DOE), together with representatives from AC Mobility and Bohol I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BOHECO I), paid a courtesy call on the Provincial Government of Bohol, led by Vice Governor Nick Besas and Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte.
Also present during the meeting were Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO) Officer-in-Charge Joanne Pinat, Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) Head Engr. Eustaquio Caliao, and Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Planning Officer III Engr. Angelus Sales.
The visiting delegation was headed by DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan, along with AC Mobility Government Project Manager Dennis Betito, Jr., Engr. Erwin Chatto, and Engr. Danilo Kidlat of BOHECO I, supported by officials and staff from the DOE.
Discussions during the courtesy call focused on strengthening collaboration in energy sustainability, electric mobility, and renewable energy initiatives aligned with the Strategic Governance Roadmap in the province, the country’s first and UNESCO Global Geopark.
AC Mobility, the provider of globally recognized electric vehicle brands Build Your Dreams (BYD) and KIA, presented its plan to establish electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Bohol at no cost to the Provincial Government. The company is currently identifying potential locations for the charging infrastructure, a proposal welcomed by provincial officials.
Provincial Administrator Caberte expressed support for the initiative, highlighting its potential benefits to tourism, local businesses, and Bohol’s continuing efforts toward energy efficiency and environmental sustainability under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado. She also proposed Panglao Island as a possible site due to its strong tourism presence and market demand.
A brief discussion was likewise held on coordination for the upcoming ASEAN Energy Meeting, particularly on ensuring a stable and uninterrupted power supply in collaboration with BOHECO I.
The courtesy call also highlighted Bohol’s leadership in renewable energy, following its recent recognition by the DOE as an awardee of the Energy Champion, Leader, Achiever, and Pioneer (ECLAP) Award. The honor cites Bohol as the first local government unit in the Visayas to institutionalize a renewable energy policymaking and oversight body through the Bohol Renewable Energy Board (BREB).
The meeting reaffirmed the province’s commitment to sustainable energy development while strengthening its position as a key tourism and investment destination in the region. (PIMO/RJG)
