Oct

13

A nation’s flag is a symbol for the nation, for its people. It represents ideas, concepts that can be associated to that nation.

Looking at the flag of the Philippines, I realized that its flag could very well be a symbol of its power.

 

 

I believe the only currency that matters in the world is energy. Energy moves obstacles, energy fuels progress, energy enacts change. Civilization is built on human endeavor and the constructive use of energy and can be destroyed through energy and effort as well. Imagine a world without energy; it is not impossible only that it could be simply described as “dead”.

Presently we are experiencing a crisis in energy which manifests itself through fluctuating oil prices affecting the global economy and the need to reduce costs brought upon by relying on too much energy that is not utilized efficiently, thus the need for more energy-efficient technology.

In this regard, the Philippines have been relatively powerful against this energy crisis, being a pioneer in acquiring alternative sources of energy other than petroleum. These alternative sources are known to be the best kind of energy source, that these are renewable.

The RED in the Philippine flag represents blood, in memory to those who were sacrificed as payment for the country’s growth and independence. It also means bravery as Filipinos are generally ‘hot-blooded’. However, there’s another heat that exists in the Philippines and it can be found under its soil.

Geothermal power provides about 28 percent of the electricity needs in the Philippines, making this archipelago the largest consumer of electricity derived from geothermal sources. The Philippines’ capacity for geothermal energy makes it only a close second to the United States which has not completely utilized its potential as much as the Philippines presently has done.

The Philippine flag’s BLUE symbolizes the desire for peace and prosperity.  It could represent the seas and straits which have both nourished and protected the Filipino people through its maritime industries and tourism. Aptly, since many regions in the Philippines greatly depend on water, particularly the force of water for energy.

In February of this year, Northern Mindanao Electric Cooperative Hydro Corp. and Mindanao Hydro Corp. are investing nearly USD 800 million to build 150-megawatt and 300-megawatt  hydropower plants, the former would be completed by 2013 while the latter by 2015. These power plants would supply the electricity through the entire Mindanao region.

The WHITE in the Philippine flag symbolizes purity, ideals and new beginnings. It also represents generally every Filipino’s typical dependence on divine providence.

From this article point of view, the color can also point to the new wind power projects that are propping up everywhere in the Philippines.  Like in the Guimaras province, Trans-Asia Power Generation Corp is in the final stages of assessment regarding the viability of a 20-megawatt (MW) wind power project. Presently, the results are leading to a positive conclusion.

And lastly but not least, the YELLOW SUN and STARS that adorn the Philippine flag signify the Philippines as a nation. The sun’s 8 rays represents the 8 initial provinces that comprise and start the Philippine Revolution of 1896 while the 3 stars signify the 3 main island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

These celestial symbols could also represent the Philippines’ future hope in energy: solar power.
The Philippines has been a powerful global partner in providing innovation and opportunities in the manufacturing, reengineering and optimization of solar power technology and applications.

Solar cell and panel manufacturer SolarPower Corp operates two manufacturing facilities here, producing crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells with an impressive 22 percent 22% light-to-electricity conversion ratio. Through the help of its Filipino partners and engineers, the company has managed to reduce costs by 50 percent from last year’s expenditures. For the country’s highly educated labor and strong electronics industry infrastructure, another solar panel manufacturer Solaria operates in the Philippines.

Just recently, the Philippine government is in the final stages of ratifying the Renewable Energy Bill in order to  encourage local entrepreneurs to tap and develop the country’s vast alternative energy resources thereby  reduce the country’s dependence on imported oil. Doing so will shield the nation from the price fluctuations in the global economy.

Not only does the effective development and efficient utilization of these renewable energy resources would make life easier and cleaner for Filipinos, but it would be more appealing and affordable for investors to do business with the country.

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References:

  1. “Trans-Asia to build wind power project in Guimaras.” 10 June 2008. ABS-CBN News. Accessed 10 October 2008. Link here
  2. Gatdula, Donnabelle. “Two hydropower firms to invest $800M in Mindanao.” 15 February 2008. The Philippine Star. Accessed 10 October 2008. Link here
  3. Harden, Blaine. “Filipinos Draw Power From Buried Heat.” 4 October 2008. The Washington Post. Accessed 10 October 2008. Link here
  4. Posadas, Dennis. “How the Philippines Can Be a Solar Power.” 10 October 2008. Business Week. Accessed 13 October 2008. Link here
  5. Ubac, Michael Lim. “Bicam approves renewable energy bill.” 7 October 2008. The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Accessed 10 October 2008. Link here

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