Mindoro Churches, LGUs Unite for Renewable Energy Development

Churches and several local governments in Mindoro have joined forces to promote renewable energy (RE) as a more affordable and sustainable alternative to the island’s dependence on diesel-fired power. The "REnew Mindoro Caravan," launched on September 5, seeks to improve communities’ access to renewable energy by connecting households and institutions with solar power providers and financing institutions. The initiative is guided by the vision of making electricity “accessible and affordable” for Mindoro communities. Oriental Mindoro’s heavy reliance on diesel has contributed to high and unreliable electricity costs, according to Gerry Arances, executive director of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED). “Because of diesel dependence, Oriental Mindoro endures expensive and unreliable electricity,” Arances said. He cited data that shows that 91.43 percent of the province’s power capacity comes from diesel, with generation rates reaching P11.47 per kilowatt-hour, compared with P5.74 per kWh for hydropower. “We must move to renewables now,” Arances said, noting that Oriental and Occidental Mindoro have an estimated combined peak demand of 122 megawatts. Advocacy group Climate Analytics, meanwhile, has identified around 34,760 MW of renewable energy potential on the island. Arances said Mindoro could become a model for community-centered renewable energy by tapping its renewable resources and expanding solar power in households. The proponents also linked their demand for renewable energy to protecting the environment, particularly the Verde Island Passage (VIP), one of the country’s most ecologically significant marine areas. Mindoro is among the provinces surrounding the VIP. Rev. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, lead convenor of Protect Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP), said the transition away from fossil fuels is necessary to protect communities and marine ecosystems. “This ‘Season of Creation’ stewardship of our shared home is realized by eradicating the very systems designed for profit which endanger our people and the environment,” Gariguez said. He said the ecological damage associated with fossil fuels must end and be replaced with distributed renewable energy systems, including rooftop solar installations. Such systems, he added, can provide electricity to communities “without compromising the sanctity and safety of our oceans.”