ICSC handing over a 60 kWp hybrid solar PV system to Eastern Samar

GUIUAN, EASTERN SAMAR– A 60 kilowatt peak (kWp) On-Grid Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System was formally handed over to the municipality of Guiuan, Eastern Samar through a ceremonial Deed of Donation signing held at the Guiuan Municipal Hall grounds on February 27. The hybrid solar PV system installation was done in partnership with the Philippine-based NGO Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).

The 60-kWp On-Grid PV system refers to the maximum power output of a solar panel system under ideal conditions. This is enough to power around 36 to 40 average Filipino rural households (assuming an average household consumes 200 kWh/ month consumption).

According to Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol, “A 60 kWp hybrid solar can help the municipality save on energy costs, allowing the savings to be used for other social services for its constituents. Through this installation, we will see the proof of the concept of having an empowered power to choose our own electricity supply.”

Guiuan, a coastal municipality at the southernmost end of Samar Island in the central Philippines, has been exposed to extreme weather conditions such as typhoons, flooding, and increasing temperatures, as well as slow onset events like sea level rise and saltwater intrusion. In addition to these, the municipality is also struggling with frequent power outages and high energy costs. “There are 365 days in a year, but the brownouts might reach 500 [occurrences],” Hon. Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan, Guiuan municipal mayor said.

“Guiuan is the largest municipality in Eastern Samar, and this project will inspire many others to see that it’s possible. This collaboration between ICSC and the municipality of Guiuan shows the power of partnership built on a shared vision, mutual trust, and a deep understanding of the needs of the community. It’s a game changer,” Mayor Gonzales-Kwan added.

This is the biggest PV system installation project of ICSC in the Eastern Visayas region. Angelo Kairos dela Cruz,  Executive Director of ICSC, highlighted that this project will serve as an inspiration for the organization to continue its work through strength in local leadership, solidarity, and collective action. “Our partnership with Guiuan goes beyond the solarization of the Guiuan municipal hall rooftop. This milestone is a signal of systemic changes that will serve as an example of how climate-resilient development can be achieved through our local champions” dela Cruz emphasized.

Beyond the turnover ceremony, the event also highlights a Memorial Signing joined by Mayor Gonzales-Kwan, Executive Director dela Cruz, Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol, Eastern Samar Vice Governor Maria Caridad Goteesan, Sulong Sulu-an Women’s Association President Alma Latina, and Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) General Manager Jose Michael Edwin Amancio, who collectively pledged and shared commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Guiuan.

The commitment states to uphold and advance five initiatives under Guiuan’s  Just Energy Transition Agenda, which includes accelerating the adoption of renewable energy and promoting community-led energy solutions to improve energy security and affordability in Guiuan.

Rectito Melquiades, Guiuan Sangguniang Bayan Secretary, stated, “We are not just switching on a new energy source for the municipal hall building. We are igniting a transformative journey for our beloved town, the majority towards sustainability, resilience, and progress. 
As we power up the solar (PV) system, we take another significant step towards more sustainable and self-reliability, one that embraces renewable energy embraces renewable energy solutions for the benefit of the communities, our economy, and our environment.”

The memorandum of agreement for this hybrid solar PV installation project was made official between ICSC and the local government of Guiuan, represented by Executive Director dela Cruz and Mayor Gonzales-Kwan, in October 2024.

After this turnover ceremony, the hybrid PV system will undergo a one-month testing period before its full operational deployment. Meanwhile, ICSC is preparing to roll out similar initiatives in the region, including an upcoming turnover of a hybrid PV system in Paranas, Samar, in March.