The INSTITUTE OF PHILIPPINE CULTURE
School of Social Sciences
Ateneo de Manila University
cordially invites you to a lecture on
IN SEARCH OF ELECTRICAL MODERNITY:
METRO MANILA’S ENERGY SYSTEM IN THE FACE OF URBAN CHANGE
by
Morgan Mouton, PhD candidate in Urban Studies
LATTS / Université Paris-Est
Visiting Research Associate, Institute of Philippine Culture
on
Friday, 4 December 2015
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
IPC Conference Room (Rm. 203)
2/F Frank Lynch Hall, Social Development Complex
Ateneo de Manila University
Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Abstract
Metro Manila is experiencing a form of urban change that transforms its landscapes and its socio-economic balance. This change encompasses a variety of phenomena that include the consolidation of middle classes and its translation in the real-estate market (e.g., condominiums, etc.), the settling of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms, and the multiplication of consumer spaces/shopping malls. From the viewpoint of the energy question, these transformations constitute both a challenge and an opportunity. On the one hand, middle class households have energy-intensive lifestyles (e.g., air conditioning), and the firms involved in the new service-led economy have high expectations when it comes to the reliability of the electricity network and the tariffs or the quality of service. On the other hand, these same actors constitute a powerful market for environmentally friendly technologies (solar panels, LED lighting, “green” building, etc.), and can help shape a new energy system.
This presentation will first put the emphasis on the actors of this urban change, and notably on the so-called “middle classes,” in order to underline that this category is very diverse and heterogenous in the Philippines. As a consequence, the assumption that this population will be a driver of a process ofmodernization of the energy sector is considerably weakened. The second argument that this presentation will put forward is that energy issues are increasingly tackled by private actors, which raises questions concerning the scope and the depth of the envisioned changes in the energy system of urban Philippines.
About the lecturer
Morgan Mouton is pursuing a PhD in urban studies at LATTS / Université Paris-Est, and is currently an IPC Visiting Research Associate. His previous work, carried out for his MA thesis, focused on access to electricity in Metro Manila’s depressed areas within the context of the post-EPIRA electricity sector.* For inquiries or confirmation of your attendance, please contact (+63 2) 426-6001 extension 4651 local 213, or email us at <ipc.soss@ateneo.edu>.