DOE honors leaders driving Philippines clean energy shift

MANILA — The Department of Energy (DOE) recognized five outstanding organizations and individuals accelerating the Philippines’ clean energy transition during the second Sustainable Energy Awards held Dec. 16, 2025, at the Makati Shangri-La.

The annual awards program celebrates renewable energy (RE) projects, private companies, women leaders, and local governments making measurable progress toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

This year’s awardees were selected from 28 nominees across four categories.

In the Renewable Energy Projects in On-Grid Areas category, the Bacman Geothermal Power Plant Facility, operated by Bacman Geothermal Inc., was honored for its role in expanding clean power generation.

Located in the Bicol region, the facility includes five operating units, such as the 35.7-megawatt (MW) Palayan Binary Plant and the 21.6-MW Tanawon Plant.

Rehabilitated in 2010 by Energy Development Corporation after being acquired in a non-operational state, Bacman has since become a stable source of indigenous power.

During Typhoon Rolly in 2020, it operated in islanding mode, delivering 20 to 40 MW of emergency electricity to Albay and Sorsogon, restoring power to thousands of homes.

The facility also advances sustainability through the BINHI Greening Legacy Program, which has protected over 12,000 hectares of forests, and the SIKAT livelihood program.

Bacman diverts 62 percent of its waste from landfills and enhances energy resilience with an on-site 20 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

In the Private Institutions category, Manila Water Company Inc. was recognized for embedding sustainability into its operations.

Serving 7.8 million Filipinos, the utility has installed 2.7 MW of solar capacity across six sites, cutting electricity use by 14.2 percent and generating PHP 226.7 million in annual savings.

These savings support facility upgrades, service improvements, and community initiatives that help stabilize water tariffs.

Manila Water also diverts 150 metric tons of waste from landfills each year, rehabilitates La Mesa Ecopark, and improves clean water access for the Dumagat community in the Ipo watershed using solar-powered systems.

The company has extended solar electrification to Pag-asa Island and promotes climate resilience training through Manila Water University.

Under its Energy Master Plan, the utility aims to install 50 MW of solar capacity by 2027 and fully transition to renewable energy by 2026.

Dole Philippines Inc. was honored for integrating RE in agri-industrial operations.

The company now uses 100 percent renewable energy in its cannery and 80 percent in agricultural operations, relying on solar, biogas, and biomass technologies.

It operates 2.5 MW of solar panels and a 5.7 MW biogas plant that converts pineapple pulp waste into electricity.

Dole’s initiatives have displaced 13 million liters of diesel from 2022 to 2025 and saved PHP 1.4 billion.

It also repurposes agricultural waste and uses biomass ash for landfill management as part of its circular economy practices.

Dole targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, positioning itself as a model for resource-efficient agriculture.

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar received the award in the Local Government Units category for fostering RE investment and green policies.

Initiatives such as the Green Lane for Strategic Investments, Green Lane Code, Local Investment and Incentives Code, and CSR Ordinance have created a business environment conducive to clean energy development.

These policies have attracted billions of pesos in green infrastructure and RE investments, supporting job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable livelihoods.

The province has also installed 1,002 solar streetlights, avoiding an estimated 1,800 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

Ms. Ruth Yu-Owen of Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc. was named the Women in Renewable Energy awardee for her work promoting women’s participation in the clean energy workforce.

Through the Solar Nanay Program launched in 2024, Filipino mothers receive training in solar panel installation, maintenance, and cleaning.

Initially implemented in Lipa City, Batangas, and expanded to Cuyo, Palawan, the program provides dignified, green livelihood opportunities and helps break gender barriers in the energy sector.

Special citations were awarded to three off-grid RE projects serving remote communities.

The Tagpinasao Micro-Hydro Power Plant in Brooke’s Point, Palawan, supplies affordable, reliable electricity that improves household safety, education, and connectivity.

The Cantingas Mini-Hydro Power Plant in Sibuyan Island, Romblon—developed by the Romblon Electric Cooperative—provides 24/7 renewable electricity to the island and meets 70 percent of local demand without needing subsidies under the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification.

Balesin Island’s 4.1 MWp Solar Power Plant with a 5.5 MWh BESS supplies 60 percent of the island’s energy needs, cutting diesel reliance and setting a benchmark for sustainable island electrification.

The Land Bank of the Philippines was also recognized for supporting geothermal development through a DOE-led exploration de-risking facility.

With USD 100 million in initial funding from the Asian Development Bank, the facility helps reduce early-stage risks through a risk-sharing model that turns unsuccessful drilling costs into grants and finances successful projects with loans.

DOE acknowledged key development partners whose work supports clean energy deployment and capacity building in the country.

These include the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

GIZ was cited as one of the department’s strongest collaborators in renewable energy policy development, planning, and local implementation efforts.

DOE Secretary Sharon Garin lauded the awardees for their leadership and innovation.

“Your dedication reflects the cooperation we need to transform our energy systems. Your contributions open the way for more equitable access to clean energy and strengthen the country’s progress toward sustainable development,” Garin said.

The Sustainable Energy Awards reinforce the DOE’s goal to increase the share of renewables in the country’s power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

By recognizing this year’s champions, the DOE aims to encourage more institutions to scale up renewable energy adoption and help build a secure, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.