A town in the Philippine province of Oriental Mindoro has adopted a fossil fuel-free policy and plans to expand solar power in public institutions to reduce its dependence on oil-based electricity.
The municipal government of Mansalay adopted Resolution No. 429-2026, declaring the town a fossil fuel-free and renewable energy municipality and seeking to integrate renewable energy into local development programs.
The resolution also encourages investment in renewable energy and supports community-based power projects.
The move comes as Mindoro continues to rely heavily on oil and diesel for electricity generation, exposing communities to fuel price increases and power outages.
According to the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), oil-based sources account for 75.66% of Oriental Mindoro’s electricity generation capacity.
In neighboring Occidental Mindoro, bunker fuel accounts for 57.6% of capacity, while diesel accounts for 25.5%.
CEED Executive Director Gerry Arances said Mindoro has an estimated renewable energy potential of 34.76 gigawatts but remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
“Mansalay’s resolution is a crucial step for institutionalizing the energy transition and modeling energy democracy for communities,” said Arances.
He said the policy could encourage other local governments to shift toward renewable energy and help protect communities from the energy crisis.
The resolution was developed through cooperation between the Mansalay local government, the REnew Mindoro coalition and CEED.
Vice Mayor Joel Maliwanag welcomed the partnership, citing the role of private sector participation in community development.
“We are truly thankful to all the convenors of REnew Mindoro for fostering our involvement in this noble undertaking of pushing forth a fossil-free municipality for Mansalay,” said Maliwanag.
The local government plans to solarize public institutions as part of its renewable energy initiative. The coalition did not specify a timetable, funding arrangements or the facilities covered by the plan.
Bishop Moises Cuevas of Calapan urged local governments, parishes, financial institutions and civil society organizations to work together to expand access to renewable energy across Mindoro.
“The Church, in particular, must champion ecological protection through the energy transition, in practice of caring for our common home,” said Bishop Cuevas.
He said the REnew Mindoro campaign would continue working with other local governments and organizations to promote solar energy across the island.
“We won’t stop at Mansalay. We will push on to promote access to solar for all Mindoreños, in partnership with other LGUs, other civil society organizations, and renewable energy advocates,” said Bishop Cuevas.
The prelate also stressed the need to protect Mindoro’s environment, including the Verde Island Passage, as communities pursue renewable energy development.
REnew Mindoro said it would continue promoting affordable and accessible renewable energy technologies across the island.
The coalition considers Mansalay’s resolution a potential model for other local governments seeking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
