^{Photo credit: Journal Online}

Vena Energy has distributed 1,000 handcrafted armchairs to public elementary schools on Talim Island, addressing classroom shortages while generating income for local residents—an approach that energy sector stakeholders increasingly view as a benchmark for host community engagement.

The donation, delivered through Vena Energy subsidiary Island Wind Energy Corp. (IWEC), covered schools in the municipalities of Binangonan and Cardona, including Kasile Elementary School, Bombong Elementary School, Kinagatan Elementary School, and Lambac Elementary School. Turnover ceremonies were held on January 22 at the Kasile Covered Court in Binangonan and on January 23 at the Lambac Covered Court in Cardona, Journal Online reports.

For Talim Island, where transport and logistics often delay the delivery of basic school facilities, the chairs fill a critical gap in classroom infrastructure. The armchairs meet Department of Education standards and are intended to improve learning conditions for thousands of pupils in remote communities.

Beyond the donation itself, the project embedded livelihood creation into its design. Instead of procuring furniture from outside suppliers, Vena Energy partnered with island residents, who were trained by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in carpentry and craftsmanship. After completing their training, the residents were hired to manufacture the chairs, channeling project funds directly into local households.

“This project is special because the fathers and neighbors of these students built the very chairs their children will sit on. It is a story of pride, resilience, and sustainability,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of The Philippines at Vena Energy.

The initiative forms part of Vena Energy’s broader corporate social responsibility program focused on education, infrastructure development, and community well-being in areas hosting its energy projects. Company representatives said the model reflects a shift from one-off donations toward programs that strengthen local capacity alongside social outcomes.

Local government officials from Binangonan and Cardona, school administrators, IWEC representatives, and Talim Island residents attended the turnover events.

Vena Energy is involved in several large-scale renewable energy projects in the Philippines, including the Bugallon Solar Power Project in Pangasinan, which it is developing in partnership with Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen). The company also has ongoing solar and wind projects across Luzon, including the Opus Solar Project in Ilocos Norte and the San Isidro Wind Project in Northern Samar, contributing to the country’s expanding renewable energy capacity.

How should energy developers balance large-scale investments with community-based programs like this? Join the discussion. 

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