LGUs drive renewable energy push in Philippines

Local government units in the Philippines are leading their respective energy transition efforts by adopting renewable energy, a key takeaway from the second installment of the Philippine Energy Transition Dialogue 2025 held Dec. 3-4 in Quezon City.

With the theme “Localizing the Energy Transition: Ensuring Energy Security and Resilience through Renewable Development,” the dialogue gathered over 120 representatives from national government agencies, local government units and civil society organizations to press the urgency of locally driven renewable deployment.

“Renewable energy is not only the path to a cleaner and more resilient energy system — it is the way forward for inclusive economic development, community empowerment, and a sustainable future. Together, we can ensure that the energy transition delivers clean, affordable, and secure energy for every Filipino, across every community, and for generations to come,” said Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol of the Department of Energy.

Local chief executives and officials from the provincial governments of Iloilo, Leyte, Eastern Samar and Ilocos Norte, along with the city governments of Butuan and Quezon City and the municipal governments of Guiuan in Eastern Samar and Paranas in Samar, shared first-hand experiences in adopting renewables and strengthening local energy planning.

Capongcol also affirmed the DOE’s commitment to support local transition initiatives through key programs such as the Green Energy Auction Program and the deployment of mobile energy systems.

“At the heart of this transformation are strong local leaders and champions. Across the Philippines, we see communities stepping up and driving initiatives that protect their constituents,” said Angelo Kairos dela Cruz, executive director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.

“These localities prove that when communities actively shape their energy systems, renewable energy becomes a tool for climate resilience, inclusive development, and social equity. Indeed, the future of energy is local,” he added.

Panel discussions on Dec. 3 covered international cooperation, local governance and streamlined permitting processes for renewable energy.

Breakout sessions on Dec. 4 explored ways to accelerate renewable energy deployment through technological innovation, financing, sectoral approaches such as agriculture and industry, microgrids, competitive procurement and community empowerment.

“The shift towards greener energy and self-sufficiency can reduce reliance on international fuel markets and help protect Filipino households from external price shocks. We must continue to streamline permitting and regulatory processes, enhance grid resilience, and secure the substantial financial transition as required for RE projects,” said Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez in a video message.

With the Philippines set to serve as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2026, the country is positioned to champion renewable energy as a driver of resilience, energy security and shared prosperity, according to Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje.

“This moment calls for decisive action. The technologies are advancing, investment needs are clear, and the benefits of cooperation across the region are stronger than ever. It is time to take calculated risks — smart, forward-looking decisions that will pay off not just for today’s consumers, but for generations to come,” said Frederic Tesfay, GIZ Philippines’ team lead for energy projects.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, local chief executives from select provinces and municipalities of Eastern Visayas pledged to support a just energy transition by crafting and adopting energy transition plans and local renewable energy ordinances.

“We aim to build our resilience and address the climate crisis by accelerating just energy transition,” the declaration stated.

The declaration was signed by Mayor Lovell Ann M. Yu of Alang-alang, Leyte, Mayor Roy C. Ador and Vice Mayor Adolfo Mugas of Oras, Eastern Samar, Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Vice Mayor Eunice Babalcon of Paranas, Samar, and Eastern Samar Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone.

The Philippine Energy Transition Dialogue 2025 was spearheaded by Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia, a regional initiative that aims to drive power-sector transformation, with GIZ implementing the program in the Philippines alongside the DOE as political partner and ICSC as local expert organization.