The Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) has formally endorsed a solar-powered and satellite-based internet connectivity project for government hospitals in Bohol. They are recommending it for funding under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Regulation No. 1-94 (ER 1-94) program.

As stated in an article by the Philippine Information Agency, the project, which aims to improve digital connectivity in underdeveloped medical facilities, was submitted to the RDC’s Infrastructure Development Committee on May 13, 2025. It was assessed using five core criteria, which were responsiveness, feasibility, financial requirements, environmental safety, and social acceptance, and found to be fully aligned with the region’s long-term development goals.

In particular, the project supports regional objectives related to climate action, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure modernization. By reaching into ER 1-94 funds, it seeks to repurpose revenues from energy-generating facilities into community-support initiatives.

RDC Vice Chair Kenneth Cobonpue and Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado led the endorsement, highlighting the project’s potential to boost healthcare services while promoting energy-resilient solutions. The ER 1-94 program allows host communities of power generation facilities to access funding for development, livelihood, environmental conservation, and public health initiatives.

“The ER 1-94 mechanism ensures that energy-producing areas benefit directly from the industry’s presence,” said Cobonpue, who has long championed equitable infrastructure investments across the region.

Sectoral representative Aurelio Salgados Jr. suggested that the project be expanded to include island barangays. He also emphasized the value of satellite internet in supporting early warning systems and emergency response in geographically isolated areas.

If implemented, the project could serve as a potential model for bridging the digital divide in remote health facilities, all while also enhancing disaster resilience and climate adaptation efforts through clean and decentralized technology.

The RDC’s endorsement paves the way for DOE funding approval, which could accelerate deployment of the internet connectivity system in key government-run hospitals across Bohol.

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