ILOILO CITY — The Department of Energy (DOE) brought its clean energy push to Western Visayas on July 17, 2026, expanding solar partnerships that will transform government buildings and cut electricity costs. Iloilo City is at the forefront, committing ₱25 million to harness the sun for public services.
A Historic Clean Energy Step for the Region
The DOE marked the occasion at Festive Walk Mall with the simultaneous launch of two initiatives. The agency widened the Solar Solutions for Government program by signing agreements with five new partners. The O.N.E. energy conservation campaign also made its Visayas debut, signaling the region’s readiness for a greener future.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin led the event, accompanied by Undersecretary Mario Marasigan and Director Patrick Aquino. They formalized partnerships with the City Government of Iloilo, the provinces of Antique, Aklan, and Capiz, and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development Region VI. The agreements commit each partner to install rooftop solar panels and pursue energy‑efficient upgrades.
Iloilo’s ₱25 Million Solar Pledge
Mayor Raisa Treñas‑Chu announced that Iloilo City has allocated ₱25 million from its own funds for solar infrastructure. This investment will equip government offices, emergency command centers, and evacuation hubs with photovoltaic systems. It also expands the city’s network of solar‑powered streetlights, improving nighttime safety without adding to electricity bills.
The city’s proactive stance turns a national program into a local reality. By reducing reliance on the grid, Iloilo is insulating its public services from volatile global fuel prices. The savings from lower utility expenses will be redirected to health, education, and disaster preparedness programs, multiplying the impact of every peso saved.
Government Partnerships Driving Efficiency
The Solar Solutions for Government program directly supports the Government Energy Management Program under Republic Act 11285. All government offices are required to achieve a minimum 10 percent reduction in energy consumption. The new solar installations and building retrofits aim for reductions of 10 to 20 percent.
With the latest signings, 23 government entities nationwide are now covered by formal MOAs under the program. The DOE sees the public sector as a critical role model for the clean energy transition. When schools, hospitals, and municipal halls run on solar power, communities are more likely to follow.
Powering Savings, Powering Services
Lower electricity costs translate into more resources for essential public functions. The DOE emphasized that every kilowatt‑hour saved by a government building means funds that can be used for medical supplies, classroom materials, or emergency response equipment. The program turns fiscal discipline into a tool for better governance.
Megaworld Corporation also joined the initiative as the pioneer private‑sector partner in the Visayas, signaling that clean energy is gaining commercial traction. The combination of public and private commitment strengthens the Panay Island grid’s resilience. The DOE expects the investments to help stabilize power supply across the region.
A Weekly Habit for Conservation
The O.N.E. campaign, short for Oras Natin sa Efficiency, encourages households and businesses to switch off non‑essential lights for one hour every Saturday from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Since its launch, the initiative has conserved over 109,000 megawatt‑hours of electricity nationwide. The simple weekly habit provides relief to the grid equivalent to powering hundreds of thousands of homes.
Iloilo’s embrace of both the solar program and the O.N.E. campaign positions the city as a leader in localized energy resilience. As more rooftops gleam with solar panels and more lights dim each Saturday evening, the city is proving that a sustainable future starts with concrete, measurable action.
