Mangyans show promise of solar-powered future in Mindoro
CITY OF CALAPAN—In remote communities across Mindoro, Indigenous Mangyan families are already experiencing what a renewable energy future could look like—powered by small, decentralized solar systems that bring light to homes and electricity to community facilities long beyond the reach of the grid.
Their experience is now at the heart of a broader conversation, as energy and environmental advocates say recent conservation measures adopted by the provincial government highlight the urgent need to accelerate the island’s shift to renewable energy amid global oil supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Deeper challenge
Under Executive Order No. 04, s. 2026, the provincial government has temporarily compressed the workweek for public employees and implemented fuel-saving steps, including reduced use of air-conditioning, stricter limits on government vehicles, and a shift to online meetings.
While these measures aim to ease immediate pressures, advocates say they also expose the province’s vulnerability.
“Conservation measures are an important immediate response, but they also remind us of the deeper challenge we face,” said Rev. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, executive director of the Diocesan Social Action Commission in Calapan and convener of the Protect the Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP) network.
“As long as island provinces depend heavily on imported fossil fuels for electricity, communities will remain vulnerable to global crises that are beyond our control,” he added.
Much of Oriental Mindoro, particularly off-grid areas, depends on diesel-fired generators, making electricity costs highly sensitive to global oil price swings.
Yet the province has long laid the groundwork for change.
A 2018 study commissioned by the provincial government mapped out pathways toward renewable energy, and in 2023, Gov. Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor issued an order promoting the development and efficient use of clean energy while creating a Provincial Power and Energy Council.
Faster implementation
“What is needed now is to accelerate implementation so that communities can benefit from affordable, reliable, clean energy,” said Avril De Torres of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED).
“Distributed systems like solar rooftops are not just a strategic long-term endeavor but an immediately deployable solution that can cushion the impacts of the crisis.”
That transition is already taking shape beyond Mangyan communities.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan has begun rolling out its own energy roadmap, including solarizing parishes, schools, and church facilities. A first batch of rooftop solar systems is scheduled for installation in 2026 in Calapan City and the towns of Pinamalayan and Mansalay.
Advocates say the island’s renewable energy potential is vast. A recent CEED report estimates Mindoro could generate up to 34 gigawatts from solar and wind—more than enough to meet current demand.
‘Beacon of hope’
“Mindoro has an opportunity to become a beacon of hope to the country and prove that an energy system that is resilient to global shocks and responsive to the needs of communities is possible,” De Torres said.
For Gariguez, the shift is not only about energy security but also environmental protection. Reducing fossil fuel dependence could help safeguard the Verde Island Passage, a globally significant marine biodiversity corridor, and the coastal communities that rely on it.
“Energy conservation is an important immediate step,” he said. “But the long-term solution for Mindoro is a full transition toward renewable energy so that we provide electricity that is truly affordable, reliable, and clean for every Mindoreño.”
From the upland villages of the Mangyan to government offices in Calapan, the path forward may already be taking shape, one solar panel at a time.
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