The Diocese of Calapan has awarded solarization contracts to seven parishes, marking a concrete step in Mindoro’s transition toward renewable energy as stakeholders convened for the island’s first dedicated investment summit.

The contracts, covering a combined 200 kilowatt-peak (kWp) of solar capacity, were formally signed during the REnew Mindoro Investments Summit held at the Divine Word College of Calapan. The capacity was “raised entirely by the parishes themselves in just five months,” according to an official release by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development.. 

Organizers said the procurement signals that “the Church’s commitment to clean energy has moved from aspiration to procurement,” positioning local institutions as active participants in the energy transition rather than passive consumers. 

The seven parish projects are expected to collectively generate around 800 to 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day, supplying clean power to church facilities and demonstrating the viability of decentralized energy systems in off-grid and missionary contexts. 

The summit, described as the first renewable energy investments gathering on the island, brought together more than 150 participants from government, financing institutions, private sector players, and civil society groups to explore pathways for scaling clean energy deployment in Mindoro. 

In a keynote address, Rev. Fr. Edwin Gariguez highlighted the urgency of addressing persistent supply issues in the province. “Tonight, Mindoro celebrates light. But for many of our people, light remains uncertain,” he said, pointing to ongoing reliability challenges. 

He added that the island’s resource base presents an opportunity for transition: “We are not energy poor; we have just yet to unlock how our natural resources can generate mura, maaasahan, at malinis na kuryente for every Mindoreño.” 

Alongside the contract awards, stakeholders announced plans for a Verde Island Passage Renewable Energy Investment Fund, envisioned as a financing mechanism to support small-scale and community-based projects. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between large-scale capital flows and localized energy access, particularly for households, micro, small and medium enterprises, and community institutions. 

The developments come as Mindoro remains heavily reliant on oil-based generation, with a significant portion of installed capacity tied to diesel plants—driving high electricity costs and exposing the island to fuel price volatility. 

What does this community-driven model mean for scaling distributed renewables in other off-grid areas in the Philippines? Join the discussion.

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