To support accessible, transparent, and comprehensive data on energy initiatives in the Philippines, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) and the Preferred Energy, Inc. launched two resources on April 4, 2025 in Quezon City: the Regional Energy and Climate Hub (REACH) Energy Transition Tracker and the Compendium of Distributed Renewable Energy Systems (DRES) in the Philippines.

Tracking progress and identifying opportunities 

The REACH Energy Transition Tracker is a digital platform offering a comprehensive overview of the country’s energy landscape.  Designed as a centralized resource, it allows users to access, explore, and analyze data on the Philippines’ energy transition. Drawing from Department of Energy datasets, it features interactive maps and data on energy infrastructure, including locations, capacities, and operational statuses of power plants.

During the launch event, ICSC provided a live demonstration of the platform’s features and encouraged participants to explore its interface first hand.  A panel discussion followed, where speakers highlighted how the platform’s potential as useful resource for various energy and non-energy stakeholders: for civil society organizations (CSOs) to help make their advocacies data-driven, for developers to identify potential areas for investment, and for distribution utilities (DUs) to better inform decisions for their power procurement plan.

ICSC emphasized that the platform will continue to improve, incorporating feedback gathered during the event. Soon, REACH will also include Climate Finance Audit, a tracking and data visualization tool that will provide a comprehensive overview of climate finance flows in the Philippines.

Energizing stories across sectors

Complementing the REACH platform, the Compendium of Distributed Renewable Energy System (DRES) brings together select case studies from across the country. DRES have been widely used as an electrification solution for remote and off-grid areas, especially for archipelagos like the Philippines. 

The Compendium serves as a resource to draw inspiration and lessons from by presenting stories from projects by the government, private sector, and civil society organizations. Featured projects were shared during the launch, showcasing the diversity and potential of DRES initiatives.

From the government side, Mr. Bernardino M. Abellera Jr. of the National Power Corporation shared insights from their hybridization program, particularly the solar hybrid project in Limasawa, Southern Leyte which helped reduce local power generation costs. Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) underscored how DRES is shaping the future of energy in Mindanao which includes facilitating more economic activities and improving livelihoods. In addition, Department of Energy Renewable Energy Management Bureau Assistant Director Ruby B. De Guzman outlined relevant energy policies for DRES.

On the private sector front, Mr. Erel Narida of One Renewable, talked about their joint venture with the local government unit, the distribution utility, and a funding agency to electrify the off-grid area Malalison Island, Antique. Their experience demonstrates how DRES can be implemented through a multi-actor partnership approach.

Representing civil society Mr. Lanz Gabriel Jabla of the Yamog Renewable Energy Development Group, Inc. presented the Sitio Danao 29-kW Community Micro Hydropower Project, a community-led initiative. Jabla emphasized that addressing poverty goes beyond one-time intervention; long-term engagement is key.

These stories collectively illustrate how DRES projects can offer sustainable energy solutions tailored to the specific needs of island and off-grid communities. The panel discussion and open forum that followed highlighted possible pathways to replicate the projects or create similar initiatives in other locations. This includes mobilizing resources, enabling community ownership, enacting supportive policies, and collaborating with different stakeholders. The discussion also underlined that there must be urgency for the electrification of communities as it has the power to change lives through improving the quality of life and opening more livelihood opportunities.

READ MORE:

Visit bit.ly/compendium-pei to get a copy of the PEI Compendium of DRES in the Philippines.

RESOURCE ACCESS:

Visit projectreach.icsc.ngo/energy-transition-tracker to use the REACH Energy Transition Tracker.

CONTACT

projectreach@icsc.ngo


Photos © Sanafe Marcelo, ICSC