ICSC pilots renewable energy roadmap scoping workshop with Guiuan LGU to advance local energy transition

Palo, Leyte- Building on its earlier work in local energy planning, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) pilots a Renewable Energy (RE) Plan and Roadmap scoping workshop with the Municipality of Guiuan from April 14 to 17, as one of the initial activities under its recently signed Memorandum of Agreement with Eastern Visayas local chief executives.

Under this partnership, participating LGUs aim to institutionalize participatory local energy planning and roadmapping, craft local RE ordinances, and mobilize innovative financing for rooftop solar, island microgrids, and community-led RE initiatives.

“Renewable energy is a no-regrets solution. Beyond reducing electricity costs, it enhances public services, supports livelihoods, improves public health, and strengthens local infrastructure. Decentralized solutions like rooftop solar and mini-grids can bridge energy access gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas, ensuring that no community is left behind,” said Councilor Kinna Mae Kwan-Mabansag, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan during the workshop.

Workshop participants from the Guiuan LGU were educated on renewable energy policy, grid modernization, data-driven energy targets, and resilient energy options for off-grid and small island communities by ICSC Grid Modernization Advisor Gaspar Escobar Jr. and Energy Transition Advisor Alberto Dalusung III, respectively.

Sessions also delved into RE project structures, cycles, and financing, as well as available lending programs for RE projects for local governments, led by ICSC Senior Advisor on Energy Literacy and Energy Democracy, Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta and Development Bank of the Philippines Vice President Rustico Noli D. Cruz.

In addition to the information discussions, case studies of other local governments were also tackled, particularly from the cities of Butuan and Iloilo. Butuan City Planning and Development Office’s Engr. Angelo Boligol talked about the formulation process, implementation, and impact of their local Renewable Energy Plan Roadmap, and how RE zoning, land use planning, and investment promotion helped move clean energy planning forward in their city.

ICSC’s Director for Community Resilience Arturo Tahup emphasized the importance of local leadership in responding to energy challenges in his welcome remarks. “We are at a point where we must transform crises into opportunities. The current energy situation presents real challenges, but it also opens pathways for local governments to lead,” said Tahup.

The four-day workshop brought together Guiuan’s technical working group, composed of legislative representatives, department heads, and staff from planning, engineering, general services, permitting and licensing, finance, environment, and disaster risk management. Together, they validated  ICSC’s report on their local energy baseline and identified viable RE opportunities. Throughout the sessions, the workshop resource persons, together with ICSC advisers, provided technical guidance and access to resource materials that helped shape and prioritize projects for financing and implementation. Outputs include an envisioned RE plan and targets, enabling local programs and policy measures to drive energy transition and RE development in the municipality.

Councilor Kwan-Mabansag highlighted that the workshop is a significant step not only for the municipality, but for the Eastern Visayas region’s broader push toward a cleaner, more resilient, and more sustainable energy future.

“Reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy is essential to local development. High power costs and frequent outages have already affected fisheries, water distribution, investment, and economic opportunities in Guiuan, and a Local Energy Plan will help the municipality identify priority RE projects, craft enabling policies and ordinances, and direct investments where they are needed most,” Councilor Kwan-Mabansag added.

Beyond broader RE planning goals, the workshop focused on Guiuan’s immediate energy priorities, particularly efforts to improve and eventually achieve 24/7 electricity access in off-grid communities like Homonhon, Suluan, and Victory. Discussions covered the municipality’s energy profile, grid and transmission constraints, and energy source options such as solar, wind, battery energy storage system (BESS), and hybrid systems to reduce diesel dependence and strengthen energy security.

Designed to strengthen LGU understanding of the energy landscape and policy frameworks,  build capacity to assess local energy needs, support the development of RE plans, and translate these into actionable projects and investments, the workshop lays important groundwork for Guiuan’s next steps. For the technical working group, this process is expected to advance a more affordable, reliable, and resilient energy future, positioning Guiuan as a model for how Eastern Visayas communities can turn clean energy commitments into implementable roadmaps.

It serves as the pilot run of a series of capacity-building activities, with more LGUs across Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Bicol Region set to undertake similar RE planning processes with ICSC in the coming months.