Mindoro’s heavy dependence on diesel-fired electricity has prompted Church and local government partners to push rooftop solar as a cheaper energy option for communities.
Green energy advocates launched the REnew Mindoro Caravan over the weekend to promote wider access to renewable energy by connecting communities with providers and financing institutions.
Oriental Mindoro gets 91.43% of its power capacity from diesel, with generation rates reaching P11.47 per kilowatt-hour, compared with P5.74 per kWh for hydropower, according to figures cited by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED).
“Because of diesel dependence, Oriental Mindoro endures expensive and unreliable electricity,” said Gerry Arances, CEED executive director.
Arances said Oriental and Occidental Mindoro have an estimated combined peak demand of 122 megawatts, while Climate Analytics has identified 34,760 MW of renewable energy potential on the island.
“We must move to renewables now,” Arances said. He added that “Mindoro can be a beacon of community-centered renewable energy by tapping into that potential and solarizing Mindoreños’ households.”
The Churches of Mindoro partnered with local government for the caravan under a shared vision of “abot-kamay at abot-kayang kuryente,” or accessible and affordable electricity, for households and institutions.
The campaign also links the shift to renewable energy with protection of the Verde Island Passage, which Mindoro borders.
Fr. Edwin Gariguez, lead convenor of Protect Verde Island Passage, said the transition away from fossil fuels should also address threats to people and the environment.
“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 destruction brought by fossil fuels must be ended” and called for distributed renewable energy, including rooftop solar systems, “to bring electricity to our communities without compromising the sanctity and safety of our oceans.”
The local government of Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro has highlighted the caravan as a way to encourage communities to consider solar power.
Vice Mayor Jose Ildefonso Maliwanag said the initiative seeks to raise awareness among Mindoreños about solar energy as a less expensive alternative.
“Ang REnew Mindoro Caravan ay nagbibigay ng maigting na kamalayan sa mga Mindoreño na tignan ang solar power bilang mas murang alternatibo para sa enerhiya,” Maliwanag said.
He said the caravan features discussions, information-sharing, and activities focused on promoting solar as a practical option for communities.
