7 Mindoro parishes shift to clean energy
CALAPAN CITY—The Diocese of Calapan has awarded renewable energy projects to seven parishes in Oriental Mindoro, marking a major step toward the island’s shift to clean and sustainable power.
The agreements, covering a total of 200 kilowatt-peak capacity, were signed on April 30 during the Renew Mindoro Investments Summit at Divine Word College of Calapan.
Church officials said the projects were fully funded by the parishes within just five months, highlighting the viability of community-driven clean energy initiatives.
“This shows that the transition to renewable energy is no longer just an aspiration—it is already happening on the ground,” organizers said.
The beneficiary parishes are located in Victoria, Bongabong, Mansalay, Calapan City and Pinamalayan. Contractors include Sarrinet Power Tronix, LAD Enterprises and True East Energy Corporation.
Once operational, the systems are expected to generate about 800 to 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity daily, helping reduce reliance on expensive and unreliable fossil fuel-based power.
The contract signing coincided with the launch of Mindoro’s first renewable energy investment summit, which gathered more than 150 participants from government, business, civil society, financing institutions and local communities.
In his keynote address, Rev. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, executive director of the Diocesan Social Action Center, noted the urgency of addressing the island’s energy crisis.
“Mindoro is not energy-poor. We have yet to fully harness our natural resources for affordable, reliable and clean electricity,” he said, pointing to the contrast between local festivals and recurring power shortages.
