Philippines: Church-backed Group Urges Renewable Energy Roadmap amid Power Crisis

A Church-backed renewable energy campaign in Mindoro, southwestern Philippines, has welcomed the provincial government’s emergency response to the worsening power crisis while calling for long-term solutions centered on clean and sustainable energy.

REnew Mindoro, convened by the Diocesan Social Action Center (DSAC) of the Diocese of Calapan and the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), expressed support for Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor’s move to gather key energy stakeholders to address persistent rotational brownouts affecting the province.

In a statement released May 20, Fr. Edwin Gariguez, DSAC executive director and lead convener of REnew Mindoro, said immediate interventions are necessary but stressed that renewable energy must become the foundation of Mindoro’s future power system.

“We are grateful that the Governor took immediate action and brought the key players to the table,” Fr. Gariguez said.

“The steps outlined, like reviewing contracts, coordinating fuel supply, and calling for conservation, are necessary, and we fully support them. We now ask that the provincial government take the next and more lasting step: a concrete renewable energy roadmap for Oriental Mindoro,” he added.

The provincial government earlier confirmed that rotational brownouts may continue through May and June due to insufficient power supply and dependence on costly emergency power supply agreements.

During an emergency dialogue on May 18, the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Ormeco) reported that dependable supply was only 56.5 megawatts against a peak demand of over 75 megawatts recorded on May 11.

The shortage was attributed to reduced hydroelectric generation caused by low water levels, delays in independent power projects, fuel supply problems, and transmission limitations.

REnew Mindoro said the crisis highlights the vulnerability of relying heavily on hydroelectric power without developing a diversified renewable energy system combining solar, wind, and hydro sources.

“When a province depends heavily on hydro alone, a dry season becomes a crisis,” the group said, noting that rooftop solar systems can generate more electricity during the hot summer months when hydro output declines.

The group also pointed to growing grassroots support for renewable energy in Mindoro.

During the REnew Mindoro Investment Summit held on April 30, seven parishes of the Diocese of Calapan signed solar energy contracts representing 200 kilowatt-peak of community-funded solar capacity.

Fr. Gariguez said the participation of parishes, cooperatives, farmers, fisherfolk, and Indigenous Peoples communities demonstrates that local communities are ready to embrace clean energy solutions.