Church leaders, local government officials, indigenous peoples, civil society organizations and communities on Mindoro island are pushing for a full transition to renewable energy (RE) to resolve the island’s chronic power instability, which they link to its reliance on fossil fuels.
Advocates made the call during the “REnew Mindoro” campaign launch on Friday, an initiative that promotes a complete transition to renewables for the island.
The campaign is also part of the 10 Million Solar Rooftops Challenge, a national initiative encouraging decentralized renewable energy to benefit households and communities directly.
The island’s potential for renewable energy is massive, according to a new report from the think-tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development (CEED). The report estimates Mindoro island has an abundant RE potential of 35,000 megawatts (MW), which far exceeds the island’s peak demand of 108 MW and the total capacity of all power plants in the Philippines at 29,700 MW.
Renewables already offer the cheapest generation rates for residents at P5 to P7/kilowatt-hour (kWh), while oil-based fuels can cost twice or three times as much, reaching as high as P23/kWh.
“The data is clear: renewable energy is the solution to perennial power problems in Mindoro,” said CEED deputy executive-director Avril de Torres.
“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 Torres.
Apostolic Vicar of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro Bishop Moises Cuevas cited the humanitarian aspect of the transition. “Renewable energy is not just about power – it’s about our right to live with light: light that is affordable, humane, and sustainable,” Cuevas said.
“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,” he said.
Local officials are also signaling their commitment. Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro Mayor Bong Mendoza stressed the vital role of local government. “We can begin in our own backyards by solarizing municipal halls, health centers, schools, and other public facilities,” Mendoza said.
“This is a concrete step that shows our commitment to lowering electricity costs for our communities, reducing reliance on expensive fuels, and setting an example for households and businesses to follow,” he said.
The movement also advocates for a transition away from fossil fuels in the highly biodiverse Verde Island Passage (VIP), which faces threats from 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,” said Protect VIP lead convenor Father Edwin Gariguez.
“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,” said Gariguez.
The campaign launch followed the celebration of the National Day of Action Against Coal and Gas.
