Eastern Visayas LGUs, ICSC ink partnerships to accelerate local energy transition
TACLOBAN CITY, 20 February 2026 – Local chief executives from across Eastern Visayas formalized their commitment to advance the energy transition in their localities, by developing Local Energy Plans and enacting Renewable Energy (RE) Ordinances that will enable access to cleaner, more affordable, and reliable power for communities in the region. Eastern Visayas has constantly experienced a lack of access to reliable and sustainable energy, which historically affected the operations of health facilities, communications networks, and educational services in the region. In addition, despite its capacity to house renewable energy plants such as solar and geothermal, Eastern Visayas has [...]
Lighting the Way: Renewable Energy in Eastern Visayas
by Sophia Kaye Fernandez Editor’s Note: Sophia is currently a Communications Officer for Media and Events at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, stationed at the organization’s Eastern Visayas office. We are usually taught to be afraid of the dark. But for me, it was something I grew up expecting. Blackouts were a constant during my childhood, like an unwanted but inevitable guest. The glow of the kerosene lamps illuminated some holidays, and our shadows entertained us when the world seemingly paused and was eerily silent. There were no LED string lights, loud singing from [...]
ICSC turns over 60 kWp hybrid solar PV system to Guiuan, Eastern Samar
EASTERN SAMAR, March 2, 2025 – 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 Switch-on and Turn-over 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 Filipino rural households with an average electricity [...]
ABS-CBN Tao Po: “Grupo ng mga kababaihan nagsusulong para magkakuryente sa isla ng Suluan sa Eastern Samar”
The island of Sulu-an in Eastern Samar only receives eight hours of electricity each day, negatively impacting the daily lives of its residents. Despite these limitations, women on the island are turning to #SolarPower to help bring light to their community through the group Sulong Sulu-an. Learn more about how #RenewableEnergy is helping Sulu-an island in this feature by ABS-CBN's Tao Po, which also features ICSC RE-Charge Pilipinas Coordinator Orlando Quesada.
Calicoan People’s Organization at the Frontline of Local Climate Action in Eastern Samar
by Ma. Czarinna de Cadiz Download Full Story In the remote southern reaches of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, a hidden gem awaits. Far from the bustling cityscapes and tourist hubs, the serene island of Calicoan is a place where only a few lucky travelers find themselves. But what they discover is not just the ‘Surfers Paradise of Visayas’; it’s a sanctuary for both thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts. Calicoan Island, home to 7,692 residents hailing from four different barangays – Baras, Ngolos, Pagnamitan, and Sulangan – is an enchanting blend of adventure and biodiversity. Nestled within the Guiuan [...]