Local government units (LGUs) are emerging as key drivers of the Philippines’ renewable energy (RE) transition, as mayors, governors, and energy officials showcased local clean energy initiatives during the second Philippine Energy Transition Dialogue 2025 held on December 3-4, 2025 in Quezon City.

The dialogue, themed “Localizing the Energy Transition: Ensuring Energy Security and Resilience through Renewable Development,” gathered more than 120 representatives from national agencies, LGUs, and civil society groups to push for faster deployment of renewables at the community level.

“Renewable energy is not only the path to a cleaner and more resilient energy system — it is the way forward for inclusive economic development, community empowerment, and a sustainable future,” Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol said. “Together, we can ensure that the energy transition delivers clean, affordable, and secure energy for every Filipino, across every community, and for generations to come.”

Officials from Iloilo, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Ilocos Norte, Butuan City, Quezon City, Guiuan, and Paranas shared firsthand accounts of how solar, microgrids, and local energy planning are reshaping power access and resilience in their areas.

Capongcol said the DOE will continue backing LGU-led projects through programs such as the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) and the deployment of mobile energy systems (MES).

“At the heart of this transformation are strong local leaders and champions. Across the Philippines, we see communities stepping up and driving initiatives that protect their constituents,” said Angelo Kairos dela Cruz, executive director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).

 “These localities prove that when communities actively shape their energy systems, renewable energy becomes a tool for climate resilience, inclusive development, and social equity. Indeed, the future of energy is local,” he added.

Discussions also tackled bottlenecks in RE permitting, grid resilience, financing, and sectoral applications in agriculture, industry, and microgrids.

“The shift towards greener energy and self-sufficiency can reduce reliance on international fuel markets and help protect Filipino households from external price shocks. We must continue to streamline permitting and regulatory processes, enhance grid resilience, and secure the substantial financial transition as required for RE projects,” said Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez in a recorded message.

With the Philippines set to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje said the country is well-positioned to champion renewables as a regional pillar for energy security and resilience.

“This moment calls for decisive action. The technologies are advancing, investment needs are clear, and the benefits of cooperation across the region are stronger than ever. It is time to take calculated risks — smart, forward-looking decisions that will pay off not just for today’s consumers, but for generations to come,” said Frederic Tesfay, GIZ Philippines’ Team Lead for Energy Projects.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, local executives from Eastern Visayas signed a declaration committing to craft and adopt local energy transition plans and renewable energy ordinances to advance a just energy transition in their communities.

“We aim to build our resilience and address the climate crisis by accelerating just energy transition,” the declaration stated.

The Philippine Energy Transition Dialogue 2025 is spearheaded by the Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) initiative, with GIZ, the DOE, and ICSC leading its implementation in the country.

How far can LGUs realistically push the Philippines’ renewable energy transition amid permitting, financing, and grid challenges? Share your insights on what it will take to make “the future of energy” truly local.

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