The Department of Energy (DOE) has sealed new partnerships with the Provincial Government of Iloilo and the City Government of Bacolod to roll out solar power systems and energy efficiency upgrades in public buildings, reinforcing the government’s push to cut electricity use and strengthen energy resiliency.

The agreements, signed on January 26 at the DOE’s headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, bring Iloilo and Bacolod into the Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings (SSG–ERPB) initiative. The program supports the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP), which targets at least 10% energy savings across government operations.

“More than a technical undertaking, energy efficiency and clean energy adoption in public buildings is good governance,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said. “Through these agreements, we are demonstrating practical, measurable pathways for government facilities to cut electricity use, strengthen resiliency, and model responsible energy use for communities and the private sector alike.”

Under the memoranda of agreement, the DOE will provide technical assistance for the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy-efficient equipment, as well as training and capacity-building for local officials and technical staff. The aim is to ensure that projects are properly planned, implemented, and monitored, and that savings are measurable.

Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. signed the agreement for the province, which the DOE cited as a front-runner in local clean energy governance. Iloilo institutionalized compliance with the GEMP and passed its Renewable Energy Ordinance (I-PORE) in 2022, making it the first local government unit (LGU) to adopt a formal resolution on renewable energy. The province has since mandated renewable energy infrastructure development, encouraged local governments to identify potential project sites, and extended incentives through its investment code.

These policies have translated into operational projects, including solar PV installations in six district hospitals, solar-powered streetlights in barangays, and a solar-powered desalination project aimed at improving access to potable water. In December 2025, Iloilo was named the pioneer awardee of the DOE’s Sustainable Energy Awards in the LGU category.

Bacolod City Mayor Greg G. Gasataya signed the separate agreement for the city, aligning Bacolod’s public facilities program with the SSG–ERPB framework and GEMP targets. The city will work with the DOE to identify priority public buildings for solar PV integration and energy efficiency improvements, backed by technical guidance and training.

The DOE said the SSG–ERPB initiative is designed to build a pipeline of public-sector projects that demonstrate tangible energy savings, enhance facility resiliency, and catalyze wider adoption of renewable energy and efficiency measures across government.

With Iloilo and Bacolod on board, a total of 10 LGUs have now signed MOAs under the program, including Manila, Quezon City, Pasay, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Navotas, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, and the Province of Siquijor. At the national level, the DOE has also partnered with the Department of Health to advance energy efficiency and reliability in government hospitals.

“Local governments are critical champions of the clean energy transition because they are closest to communities and public services,” Garin said. “When LGUs lead, through policy, investment, and implementation, clean energy becomes real, visible, and beneficial to ordinary Filipinos.”

What do you think this expanded LGU-led push for solar and energy efficiency means for power demand, utility planning, and private-sector participation in the Philippines? Join the discussion.

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This article was originally prepared for January 27, 2026 and published later due to temporary site downtime.