Iloilo is rapidly carving out a central role in the Philippines’ renewable energy (RE) landscape, having secured more than 1,300 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind projects across the province. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Visayas Field Office highlighted the province’s growing influence in the nation’s shift toward sustainable power sources.
This milestone was mentioned during the forum, “The Road to Renewables: Conversations on Energy Transition”, held on August 21. Part of the Media Kapihan series, the event was organized by the Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy (CASE) for Southeast Asia initiative in collaboration with the Department of Energy, the Iloilo Provincial Government, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), and GIZ Philippines.
The discussion brought together local officials, RE developers, civil society representatives, and journalists to examine the province’s clean energy growth, tackle permitting hurdles, and explore how clear, accurate narratives can shape public awareness of the sector.
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Iloilo’s RE push
Rey Victor Garin, Iloilo’s representative for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk, shared the province’s proactive approach to RE, noting key initiatives and policies such as the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance on Renewable Energy (I-PORE) that support the sector’s growth.
“Alongside this is the development of the Provincial RE plan, the Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan, and established local energy offices to support project implementation,” he added.
As of December 2024, the DOE Visayas Field Office reported that Iloilo has secured over 1,390 MW in offshore wind contracts, including 100 MW in Concepcion, 990 MW across East Panay and Sicogon, and 100 MW in the Iloilo Strait. An additional 350 MW of onshore and offshore wind projects are also in pre-development.
According to Pope John Sotto, senior policy officer at the Global Wind Energy Council, Iloilo’s offshore wind resources could meet up to 35% of the Philippines’ electricity demand if fully harnessed, while stressing the need for faster permitting and stronger local government backing to unlock this potential.
Additionally, officials pointed to the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) as a key tool for streamlining permitting, but adoption remains limited, with Iloilo City currently the only locality in the province participating in the platform.
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Aiming for a just transition
The discussion included the importance of ensuring a fair and inclusive energy transition, where local communities actively benefit from developments. Gaspar Escobar Jr., Grid Modernization Advisor at ICSC, cited Energy Regulations No. 1-94, noting that host communities can receive financial returns from electricity sales to fund local initiatives such as electrification, livelihoods, and environmental programs.
For instance, the Iloilo Provincial Government is scaling up net-metered RE installations in hospitals, using the resulting savings to enhance healthcare services. Wind energy projects are also expected to boost local economies, creating jobs and stimulating demand in supporting sectors.
Building on these efforts, Romil Hernandez, ICSC’s Director for Energy Policy, emphasized that the media plays a vital role in sustaining momentum, shaping public understanding, and advancing “a future that is clean, affordable, and secure, where energy is accessible for all.”
Sources:
https://manilastandard.net/business/314636234/iloilo-secures-1300-mw-in-offshore-wind-deals.html
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/iloilo-secures-1300-mw-in-offshore-wind-projects/