The ASEAN Energy Management Scheme or AEMAS was successfully launched last August 26, 2011 at the New World Hotel, Makati City, Philippines. The event was attended by the Honorable Undersecretary of the Department of Energy, Ms. Loreta G. Ayson. Joining Undersecretary Ayson are Messrs.’ Hans Farnhammer and Christopher G. Zamora, Head of Operations of the EU Delegation to the Philippines and Acting Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Energy respectively. The Philippine launch was opened by the entry of colors performed by the University of Santo Tomas Honor Guards.

The national launch of AEMAS drew a wide array of guests from the energy efficiency field in the Philippines, with representatives from the Visayas and Mindanao region. The participants numbered more than150 energy efficiency practitioners and advocates, expressing their total support to the AEMAS initiative of achieving a sustainable energy management system.

The highlights of the launch are the awarding of the Energy Management Gold Standard 1-star certificates to 3 companies, 75 Certified Energy Managers, 25 Local Trainers and 2 Country Experts. The three companies awarded the Energy Management Gold Standard 1 star certificate are Texas Instruments Phils. Inc., Toshiba Information Equipment Phils. Inc., and San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation.

Mr. Pierre Cazelles, AEMAS Regional Advisor, presented an overview of the AEMAS Program and encouraged the participants to have their companies AEMAS-certified. Mr. Cazelles emphasized the importance of AEMAS in realizing a continuous improvement program in energy efficiency for industries and buildings.

The launch was concluded by signing a Memorandum of Agreement between AEMAS Philippines and AEMAS Council Members. It was organized by the Energy Efficiency Practitioners Association of the Philippines (ENPAP) in conjunction with the 2011 Energy Technology Conference.