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Several local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas have formalized efforts to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, citing persistent power shortages and high electricity rates that have disrupted essential services across the region.
Mayors from Alangalang in Leyte; Paranas and Marabut in Samar; and Guiuan, Oras, and Salcedo in Eastern Samar signed an agreement on Feb. 20 with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) to implement a participatory local energy planning process. The initiative aims to develop Local Energy Plans and enact renewable energy (RE) ordinances to enable access to cleaner, more affordable, and reliable power.
Addressing Power Instability And High Rates
Eastern Visayas has faced recurring power supply issues that have affected health facilities, communications networks, and educational institutions. Despite hosting renewable energy facilities such as geothermal, hydroelectric, and solar plants, the region remains heavily reliant on coal-fired power plants.
This dependence has contributed to some of the highest electricity rates in the country, reaching as much as ₱20.96 per kilowatt hour in 2022, according to ICSC.
ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz said the partnership seeks to translate local development priorities into actionable clean energy transition strategies supported by enabling policies.
“Each local government unit (LGU) forged partnerships with ICSC to implement a participatory local energy planning process. This aims to translate community needs and local development priorities into actionable clean energy transition plans, supported by enabling local policies,” dela Cruz said in a statement.
Alignment With National Policies
Under the memorandum of agreement, the participating LGUs committed to aligning their local initiatives with national energy mechanisms, including the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act and the Department of the Interior and Local Government–Department of Energy (DILG–DOE) Joint Memorandum Circular 2020-01, which facilitates energy projects.
Paranas Mayor Elvira Babalcon underscored the urgency of advancing local energy planning.
“We affirm that local energy planning is not just an option but a responsibility that local leaders must work on, not in the future but now,” Babalcon said.
She added that the municipalities would integrate renewable energy into their local development plans, promote solar and other energy solutions, build local capacities, and encourage community participation anchored on inclusivity and good governance.
Alangalang Mayor Lovell Ann Yu-Castro said the transition plan is also aimed at strengthening resilience in her municipality. “It is about lowering power costs for families, and providing energy security for our schools, our health centers, and our public services,” she said.
Technical Support
ICSC committed to providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to help the LGUs conduct multi-stakeholder planning, craft renewable energy ordinances, develop clean energy transition plans, and mobilize investments.
The organization will also support priority initiatives such as rooftop solar adoption in public and private buildings, development of renewable energy roadmaps for sustainable tourism, scaling community-based renewable energy projects, and conducting information and awareness campaigns.
“Every signature, decision, and step that we take will serve as a symbol of our vision and collective action toward achieving a better and more resilient future for Eastern Visayas,” dela Cruz said.
Source:
https://tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2026/02/22/ev-lgus-shift-to-renewables-amid-power-woes