Powering a Greener Eastern Visayas

Posted on July 16, 2026 at 10:11 am

Brownouts are a recurring reality in Eastern Visayas. Despite having solar and geothermal plants, the region still faces power shortages that disrupt health services, communication, and education.

Eastern Visayas has rich renewable energy resources, yet it remains heavily dependent on coal, which contributes to some of the highest electricity rates in the country.

An international non-government organization advocating for effective global climate action, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) is expanding its partnership with local governments in Eastern Visayas to help towns transition to renewable energy.

Their goal is to help municipalities unlock energy resources, attract investments, and build communities that can withstand the impacts of climate change.

Alangalang in Leyte is leading the way—the first town in the province to develop a renewable energy roadmap.

The ICSC recently held a workshop there, bringing together representatives from the municipal government, national agencies, electric cooperatives, and civil society to map out priority actions.

The ICSC stresses that energy transition is not just about technology; it’s about people and choices.

“The success of our energy transition will not just be measured in megawatts installed, but in the choices we enable our communities to make,” ICSC said. “Because when local governments lead, communities follow, and sustainable progress becomes possible.”

Five other municipalities are also on board: Paranas and Marabut in Samar, and Guiuan, Oras, and Salcedo in Eastern Samar.

They signed agreements with the ICSC to develop local energy plans and pass ordinances supporting renewable energy.

If local governments shift to clean energy, it means more reliable electricity, lower costs, and less reliance on fossil fuels that harm the environment.

It also means more opportunities—investments in renewable energy create jobs and build a more resilient economy.

The ICSC is providing technical assistance and training to help these towns plan for their energy future.

But real change depends on leadership and participation at the local level. Our voice matters in conversations about the kind of greener future we want.

The path to renewable energy is not easy. But with local governments taking the lead, communities have the power to choose a future that is cleaner, more affordable, and more sustainable.