Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro – Church, local government, indigenous peoples, civil society, and communities in Mindoro push for renewables to end the energy crisis in the island.
The island of Mindoro is known for unstable power supply, which data shows is linked from reliance on fossil fuels.
“Renewable energy is not just about power – it’s about our right to live with light: light that is affordable, humane, and sustainable. If we move collectively as the Church, local governments, civil society, communities, and Indigenous Peoples, Mindoro can truly become an island of light – powered by the sun and wind, not by fossil fuels. Light for everyone, not just for a few. And light that reflects a faith in action,” said Bishop Moises Cuevas, apostolic vicar of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.
According to a new report by think-tank Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), Mindoro island has an abundant renewable energy potential estimated to be at 35,000 MW, far exceeding the island’s 108 MW peak demand. It also surpasses the capacity of all power plants in the country at 29,700 MW. Today, renewables offer the cheapest generation rates for Mindorenos at 5-7 PhP/kWh, while oil-based fuels charge twice or thrice as much, reaching as high as 23 PhP/kWh.
“The data is clear: renewable energy is the solution to perennial power problems in Mindoro. Renewables are more affordable, reliable, and sustainable. Political will from the government, and the empowerment and leadership of communities are the key to a power development plan that unlocks renewables for all Mindoreños,” said Avril de Torres, Deputy Executive Director of CEED.
The call was made during the “REnew Mindoro” campaign launch on Friday, an initiative pushing for a full renewable energy transition in the island. It is also part of the 10 Million Solar Rooftops Challenge, a national initiative promoting decentralized renewable energy that directly benefits households and communities.
Advocates also echoed this call for a transition away from fossil fuels in Mindoro and the entirety of the highly biodiverse Verde Island Passage, which is confronted by threats of massive fossil fuel development.
“The people of Mindoro and the VIP have suffered far too much already from fossil fuel use in and beyond our island – be it from perennial outages, or the disaster that was the 2023 oil spill. Fossil fuels have no place in Mindoro or anywhere in the VIP. Renewable energy can already deliver reliable and affordable energy without threatening marine life and livelihoods of coastal communities. It is high time for Mindoro to fully transition to renewables and lead by example for the rest of the country to follow,” said Father Edwin Gariguez, lead convenor for Protect VIP.
The campaign launch was held following the celebration of the National Day of Action Against Coal and Gas.
