Franz Jessen, the Biking Ambassador from the European Union, participates in the Guimaras’ “Sikaran” together with Romanian Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Mihai Sion and German Deputy Ambassador Michael Hasper during the weekend to enjoin everyone to counter climate change. PHOTO FROM EUROPEAN UNION IN THE PHILIPPINES’ FB PAGE
European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen went cycling around Guimaras province recently to urge various stakeholders to unite in countering climate change.
Jessen biked for 25 kilometers from Jordan town in the said province and nearby municipalities. He was with Romanian Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Mihai Sion and German Deputy Ambassador Michael Hasper in the said event which happened during the weekend.
The EU ambassador said that the Sikaran is aimed at underscoring the EU’s commitment to lower carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
“Nasadyahan gid ako sa Sikaran sa Guimaras (I enjoyed the Sikaran in Guimaras),” Jessen said.
“Sikaran” is a bike tour organized by Jordan municipal and the Guimaras provincial governments with the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University. It was held as part of the celebration of the Manggahan Festival.
“I will continue to bike in Sikaran and in other parts of the country to stress the need for everyone to do his or her share in countering climate change and in protecting the environment,” he said.
The EU has been supporting various energy efficiency actions under its SWITCH Project. Some initiatives supported by the EU in the country include the provision of technical advice to support the Philippine National Roadmap for Energy Efficiency (PNREE). The PNREE aims to generate 30 percent energy savings in the Philippines by 2030.
The EU also provides technical assistance to define and achieve objectives of reducing energy consumption in transport, industry, buildings and agriculture sector. JE