Avon Ang, Genevieve Feliciano

In the mountainous village of Ned in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, the residents and Lumad communities are more determined to resist the encroachment of private coal mining companies on their lands. Even in the face of attacks, they never ceased fighting for their right to the land, as it also meant fighting for their lives and for future generations.

Geela Garcia, Michael Beltran

Around 3.6 million households in the Philippines are not connected to the national power grid. In the country’s mountainous north, some villages have overcome this challenge by building and maintaining small-scale hydroelectric generators. These micro-hydro systems have small environmental footprints and have allowed electricity to reach villages before road networks do, thanks to communal efforts to haul equipment through the mountains on foot or on horseback. This region has a long history of conflict over planned mega hydroelectric dams, and an NGO that helps communities build and maintain micro-hydro systems says they are working in an environment of increasingly hostile scrutiny from the military.

Maria Elena Catajan, Sherwin De Vera

In four complementary stories, the impact of community driven renewable energy initiatives, as well as the impact of the RE development plans for the Cordillera region were given focus on. These stories also highlight the plight of Indigenous communities and the continuing struggle for their land.

Marina Herrera, Vermarie Carranza

As farmland shrinks and climate change worsens, a new solution is taking root in the Philippines. The documentary highlights how Central Luzon State University is pioneering Agrivoltaics, a system that combines solar energy generation with food production on the same land. Through this innovation, farmers in Nueva Ecija are finding new hope for sustainable and more productive farming.

Antonio Colina IV, Enrimand Esmer Dejeto

The two-part special report highlights the struggles of Lumad communities in off-grid areas like Sitio Maluan, Davao City, where children such as Angelie Noa study at night using only a lighter’s LED due to lack of electricity. A small hydropower project built in 2014 aimed to provide power but eventually failed due to environmental damage, climate change, and the issue of sustainability.

The first part emphasizes that sustainable renewable energy systems like microgrids can address these issues if designed with community ownership and integrated livelihood support. Despite the 2022 Microgrid Systems Act, implementation remains stalled, leaving many indigenous communities still without reliable electricity. While the second part features how students and teachers in the off-grid village continue to struggle with limited educational resources, relying on weak solar power and paper-based learning materials. It underscores the need for long-term, community-centered approaches in energy development, especially in marginalized Indigenous communities.

John Sebastian Sitchon, Jacqueline Hernandez

In the islands of Olango, Cebu, renewable energy and wildlife conservation go hand in hand. Solar power now fully energizes the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, helping reduce operational costs and minimizing disruption to migratory birds. While solar panel donations have reached remote communities, the lack of maintenance and e-waste management poses growing health and environmental concerns. This documentary explores the islands’ journey toward clean energy and the challenges of sustainable technology in isolated communities.

Rjay Castor, Joshua Mendoza

The two-part series talks about Iloilo City’s transition to renewable energy, particularly solar power, as residents and businesses seek relief from rising electricity costs. However, the high upfront investment, often hundreds of thousands of pesos, remains a significant barrier despite long-term savings and incentives like property tax cuts. Companies like Peak Power are helping households and institutions adopt solar, driven by both cost-saving and environmental concerns. Through the net-metering program, solar users can now sell excess power back to the grid, further maximizing their investment and contributing to the city’s growing energy independence and sustainability goals.

Neil Ambion, Cindy Aquino

The story “Sustenableng transportasyon, saan, kailan, kanino?” spotlights the efforts of individuals like Jasper Abunyawan, who turned to biking during the pandemic and later founded CycleSavers to refurbish old bicycles for fellow workers in need. While the government promotes sustainable transport through infrastructure projects, the story questions how inclusive these are, especially for low-income commuters. It highlights the stark contrast between policy promises and the everyday struggles of bike commuters, including safety issues and inadequate infrastructure. Ultimately, it calls for a more people-centered approach to transport sustainability.

Elvie Villarido-Manaytay, Antonio Manaytay

Olutanga Island, a picturesque yet impoverished community in Zamboanga Sibugay, has long suffered from crippling power outages, disrupting daily life, businesses, and essential services. A proposed hydrogen power plant, backed by HDF Energy and the provincial government, offers hope for a stable and sustainable energy future, but delays and bureaucratic hurdles fuel skepticism. While officials tout the project as a game-changer for economic growth and development, many residents remain uncertain about its feasibility and timeline. If realized, the project could transform Olutanga into a thriving hub for agriculture, fisheries, and eco-tourism, but its success hinges on overcoming logistical and community engagement challenges.

Lilian Tiburcio, Abby Espiritu

“Agal-Agal: The Struggle of Seaweed Farmers” is a documentary set in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, showcasing the daily challenges faced by seaweed farmers like Rashidin and his family, from unpredictable weather and high electricity costs to declining seaweed quality due to disease and aging seedlings. It also highlights local efforts, including scientific research and solar-powered innovations, to revitalize the industry and secure the livelihoods of coastal communities.