USAID x Energy Secure Events Go Virtual

The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched on June 28, 2021, the Php1.6-billion ($34 million) Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) project which will promote the country’s key energy sector priorities and support its climate mitigation goals. The virtual launch was made possible through the Webplay virtual event platform developed by local virtual events provider and pioneer Waveplay Interactive, Inc.

The virtual venue, created in collaboration with the ESP team, had a plethora of features: a virtual convention center, a 360 panoramic hall, a guest registration system, a photobooth to document the attendees, feedback forms and the Main Hall where the video speeches, the live memorandum signing and the participants from different parts of the globe were streamed. Online guests from both the government and private sector related were in good attendance and participated in the proceedings by chatting, commenting and interacting virtually.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law joined USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Sean Callahan and Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi for the virtual Memorandum of Understanding signing. Also present to witness the event was Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson Agnes VST Devanadera.

During the event, the “Energy Evolution Challenge,” was also announced. This is a grant facility that will fund proposals to advance research and deployment of innovative energy systems. Guests could click a hotspot to be able to download pertinent information and get more details regarding the different grants involved.

It was a truly monumental online affair and the ESP team foresees more virtual events on the Webplay platform in the near future. Using Webplay, it will be much easier to bring the different players from all around the country together to help address the many issues relating to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and a competitive power sector.

With reports and text from: https://www.usaid.gov/philippines/press-releases/june-28-2021-usaid-launches-php16-billion-project-promote-clean-energy-in-the-philippines