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 initiatives with the province’s broader social goals.
Northern Samar’s team recently visited Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, to explore wind energy operations led by ACEN Renewables. The site tour included two major projects: the 81-megawatt (MW) North Luzon Renewables facility and the 10-MW Pagudpud Wind project.
During the visit, the delegation examined how local governance in Ilocos Norte has effectively collaborated with private-sector players to advance RE. The team studied support frameworks and policy models that have helped accelerate project implementation and community integration.
They also conducted an on-site inspection of the wind farm facilities in Pagudpud, gaining first-hand insight into turbine operations, maintenance practices, and the day-to-day realities of managing large-scale clean energy infrastructure.
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World Bank backs Samar’s energy drive
With support from the World Bank, Northern Samar is intensifying its push to host at least five RE projects—an effort aimed at generating local jobs, increasing government revenue, and delivering long-term power solutions to its communities.
Northern Samar currently has a pipeline of six RE projects spanning wind, solar, and tidal power, with potential investments exceeding ₱200 billion.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan, who spearheaded Northern Samar’s involvement in the planning, expressed confidence that the initiative would establish the province as a top destination for sustainable investments.
He emphasized, “This partnership shows our commitment to attracting sustainable investments and empowering local communities through renewable energy projects.”
With Northern Samar’s potential as an RE powerhouse, the province is set to host six major green energy projects. These include the Lihangin onshore wind farm, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ offshore wind farm, EBTech’s hydroelectric plant, Ranyag Energy’s solar farm, Energies PH’s ocean power facility, and Envision Energy’s onshore wind farm.
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Malacañang recognizes Northern Samar’s investment policies
In March, Northern Samar gained national recognition for its investor-friendly reforms. It received a presidential award for launching the country’s first local government “green lane” through its One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments.
Honored during the “Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan” ceremony at Malacañang, the province was praised for streamlining business processes and promoting sustainable economic growth.
According to Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO) Head Jhon Allen Berbon, the recognition reinforces Northern Samar’s position as fully prepared for large-scale investments.
He noted, “This award is important because it is a testament that Northern Samar is investment-ready. Our policies are in place, and the provincial government is fully committed to supporting investors.”
In 2024, Northern Samar earned further acclaim for its proactive investment efforts, highlighted by the creation of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO) and the launch of the Winvest Northern Samar campaign.
These initiatives have helped draw in over ₱150 billion in investments, largely fueling the province’s growing RE sector.
Sources:
https://tribune.net.ph/2025/04/08/samar-learns-re-from-ilocos-norte
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2044895/northern-samars-investment-policies-get-malacanang-citation/