Northern Samar Moves Closer to a Cleaner Energy Future with Renewable Energy Roadmap

Posted on July 5, 2026 at 8:14 am

CATARMAN, Northern Samar — Northern Samar is taking another step toward a cleaner and more dependable energy future as provincial leaders and stakeholders work together to finalize a roadmap that could shape how the province powers its communities in the years ahead.

Representatives from local government units, national agencies, electric cooperatives, civil society organizations, the private sector, and local communities gathered at the Provincial Capitol on June 17 and 18 to validate the province’s Renewable Energy (RE) Roadmap. The two-day consultation gave participants the chance to review the initial draft, offer recommendations, and ensure that the plan reflects the needs and priorities of Nortehanons.

The activity built on an earlier workshop held in April, where participants identified Northern Samar’s strengths in renewable energy and explored ways to harness them for long-term development.

Jay Keenson Acebuche, a member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the roadmap and officer-in-charge of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, said the province already has the resources and partnerships needed to move forward.

“During the previous workshop, we highlighted the province’s abundant renewable energy resources, the declining solar technology costs, the strong government and private sector partnerships, active investor interest, and the availability of local technical expertise and human capital,” Acebuche said.

He said the discussions also changed how participants viewed renewable energy.

“Renewable energy was viewed not only as a source of electricity but as a pathway toward improved energy reliability,” Acebuche said, noting that stable power is essential for communities, businesses, schools, and health facilities.

Beyond mapping out energy resources, the consultation focused on a bigger goal: making sure that renewable energy projects will bring real benefits to local communities, from improving electricity access to supporting economic growth and strengthening the province’s resilience.

The consultation also highlighted the importance of involving communities in decisions about their energy future.

Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) Director for Community Resilience Arturo Tahup said the transition to renewable energy should not be driven by government alone.

“Energy is too important a concern to be left alone to the government,” Tahup said.

He emphasized that communities should play an active role in shaping the province’s energy plans.

“The people and communities should have both stake and voice; they should be front and center in crafting the Northern Samar Renewable Energy Roadmap. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our energy systems, our communities, and our resilience,” he said.

Governor Harris Ongchuan likewise expressed support for the initiative, saying the consultation was an opportunity to ensure that the roadmap truly reflects the realities of Northern Samar.

“Today, we have the opportunity to review, enrich, and validate the initial output of the previous workshop. More importantly, we can ensure that the roadmap we developed truly reflects the realities and priorities of our communities,” Ongchuan said.

He added that the province has already established its renewable energy potential, and the next challenge is working together to transform that potential into lasting opportunities and tangible benefits for every Nortehanon.

A major highlight of the consultation was the presentation of the proposed Provincial Energy Sector Committee (PESC) and Energy Development Ordinance. If approved, the ordinance will create a permanent system for planning and coordinating energy projects while ensuring that future investments support essential services such as hospitals, schools, evacuation centers, island communities, and other public facilities.

For provincial officials, the Renewable Energy Roadmap is more than a technical document. It represents a long-term commitment to building an energy system that is cleaner, more reliable, and better prepared to meet the needs of future generations in Northern Samar.

Photo courtesy: Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC)