WeGen gave its full support to the 1st Cebu Archdiocesan Conference on Climate Emergency that took place earlier this year in Cebu City.
WeGen Founder Michael J. Saalfeld attended the event with senior members and staff of the company’s Strategic Relations, Social Transformation, and Sales Teams who led or supported the various workshops on renewable energy that were conducted during the course of the conference.
“The climate emergency we are now experiencing actually started a long time ago, and many governments like that of my country Germany did not do enough. Now we are hearing young people like Greta Thunberg speak out against this inaction, and her message should be heard because all her criticisms and calls to action are valid,” he said.
Michael said that he is grateful for public initiatives such as the conference that the Cebu Archdiocese Commission on Environmental Concerns (CACEC) organized because these are in some instances more effective than the ones implemented by governments.
“We have now reached a tipping point, and it is time that people – ordinary people and not only governments – unite to do something about the climate emergency,” he said.
The WeGen Founder, an energy expert and an advocate for the environment, said that it is important that as many institutions, businesses, and homes as possible convert to renewable energy. “Solar power generates the most affordable and cleanest electricity. It is good for the environment and it can save all of us money. Solar PV systems are a game-changer in an industry that used to be dominated by fossil fuels that cause damage to the environment and negatively affect human health through the emissions and waste materials they generate,” he said.
Michael also pointed out that solar energy is very easy to harness.
“In the history of technology, it has never happened before that even ordinary households can generate their own electricity using components that are accessible and affordable. You can’t put up a tiny coal-powered plant or a tiny nuclear power plant, but with the availability of quality and affordable systems, anyone can now put up solar panels on their rooftop and they will have their own electricity. It’s not complicated technology -- it’s safe and reliable, and it’s also one of the cheapest ways to generate energy,” he pointed out.
“I laud activities such as this because it’s the church leading the people in finding ways to help our planet. We at WeGen commit to the call of Pope Francis in his Laudato Si’ message and we also pledge our expertise and support to your efforts to make the shift to solar energy. Together, all of us, we can make a difference,” he said.
As he ended his speech, Michael explained what “WeGen” means.
“It stands for “We Generation”. It refers to all of us who can change the future, ordinary people who will not just rely on politicians or whoever. This is the reason why WeGen has forged a strong partnership with the Catholic Church to promote renewable energy for the Philippines that is clean and safe, and more affordable,” he said.
“WeGen now has agreements with 73 dioceses all over the country, and we will continue to help the Catholic Church and other religious institutions to make the transition to solar.” #