The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6 has rolled out a pioneering initiative to bring clean energy to a remote island village in Concepcion, Iloilo.
Dubbed Project DAGAT (Driving Advancement, Generating Access, and Transforming Small Island Communities), the pilot effort seeks to improve access and resilience in small coastal communities through renewable power.
DOST-6 assistant director for technical operations Keithlyn Sarah Bernardino shared that Barangay Botlog in Concepcion will receive a locally built small-scale wind turbine.
She stated, “In this pilot project, we want to demonstrate that we have a local capability here in the region to produce this kind of technology, and is effective in providing renewable energy to our island barangays.”
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Project components
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Central Philippine University, the Renewable Energy Center at Northern Iloilo State University, and the local government of Concepcion.
According to Bernardino, the system won’t cover individual households but will light up essential communal spaces such as the chapel, daycare facility, local government office, sports hall, and surrounding street areas.
Work on the installation started last year, with plans to activate the system within the year and eventually launch similar setups across other small islands.
A key feature of the project is its focus on climate resilience. Alongside the renewable energy component, residents received hands-on training in disaster readiness and first aid. They were also guided in creating an emergency response plan, setting up evacuation procedures, and establishing a dedicated disaster preparedness area in their community.
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About DAGAT
In 2023, the National Innovation Council’s (NIC) Executive Technical Board gave the green light to the DAGAT project.
Across the country, 287 proposals poured in for the 2023 Innovation Fund. In the competitive field, the DAGAT Project emerged as a standout. Backed by a P4.9 million grant, it was one of only 24 government-supported initiatives approved nationwide—and the lone entry from Western Visayas to secure funding. Its innovative approach earned recognition for promoting inclusive progress and sustainable development.
Rooted in the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals, the DAGAT project seeks to bridge the gap for underserved island communities by tapping into science and innovation. It introduces practical solutions such as wind-powered energy systems, water desalination for safe drinking water, and strengthened local capacity in disaster preparedness and response.
In line with the Philippine Innovation Act (RA 11293), the Innovation Fund was created to fuel entrepreneurship and encourage the development of inventive, impact-driven solutions across the country. Through a rigorous selection process, the fund awards grants to projects that demonstrate strong potential to address real-world challenges. Overseen by the NIC, this initiative serves as a catalyst for fostering a culture of innovation and inclusive growth across regions.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1246800
https://dro6.depdev.gov.ph/dagat-project-gets-2023-innovation-grant-funding
https://www.panaynews.net/iloilo-barangay-taps-wind-power-to-boost-disaster-prepararedness