The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches, with Boracay ranked by Travel + Leisure as one of the world’s best white-sand destinations. Last year, the island attracted just over two million tourists, according to the Malay Municipal Tourism Office. But as scorching heat gripped the country, mounting frustration over extended blackouts spilled onto social […]
The Visayas continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economy. Central Visayas, comprising Cebu, Bohol, and other provinces, posted a 7.3% GDP growth in 2024, the highest among all regions in the country. This growth brought the region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) to approximately ₱1.28 trillion, up from ₱1.19 trillion in 2023. […]
On May 8, the Guimaras Electric Cooperative (GUIMELCO) activated a newly installed submarine cable, officially connecting mainland Guimaras to the island barangays of Panobolon and Guiwanon in Nueva Valencia. The 15kV interconnection marks a major step toward improved power access in remote communities. The ceremonial power-on in Barangay Panobolon marked the completion of the government-backed […]
In a strategic push toward clean energy and inclusive development, Northern Samar has dispatched an economic delegation to Ilocos Norte to study its renewable energy (RE) successes. Provincial board member Quintin Saludaga, who chairs the energy, utilities, and franchises committee, said the fact-finding mission aims to shape forward-looking policies to attract investors and align energy […]
First Gen Corp. has renewed its power supply deal with Cebu-based Chioson Group of Companies and FLB Prime Holdings Inc., ensuring the continued delivery of geothermal power to support their steel manufacturing and property development operations. Signed on April 30, the new agreement commits First Gen to supply 2.1 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Chioson’s […]
Bohol Light is ramping up its shift to renewable energy with a new 8 megawatts alternating current (MWac) solar project by Mabuhay Power, part of a broader move to support Tagbilaran City’s growth as a rising business hub. The solar facility is expected to power nearly 25% of Tagbilaran City’s electricity needs, positioning the city […]
To guarantee a steady and reliable power supply during the upcoming May 2025 national and local elections, Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) intensified its efforts over the weekend by carrying out extensive upgrades and maintenance across its distribution network and substations. According to Negros Power, the major upgrade efforts began early on April […]
Renewable energy (RE) subsidiary PetroGreen Energy Corporation (PGEC), under PetroEnergy Resources Corporation (PERC), is moving forward with a 98-megawatt direct current (MWdc) solar project and a 20-MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Capiz. The project strengthens the company’s renewable footprint while aiming to boost grid reliability across the Visayas. Maria Victoria M. Olivar, PERC’s […]
Cebu’s tourism and business groups are urging a major energy overhaul as power demand surges with the province’s rapid growth. They stressed that reliable, modern infrastructure is key to attracting investors, supporting industries, and securing Cebu’s place as a top economic hub in the region. In a focus group discussion (FGD) led by energy advocacy […]
Negros Island residents can expect steeper electricity bills this April as five major power distributors, including Negros Power Corporation, rolled out rate hikes ranging from 88 centavos to more than P2 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)—impacting over a million consumers across the region. Negros Power, the provider for central Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, has bumped up […]
