from the municipality of Paranas, Samar have begun developing a renewable energy roadmap aimed at improving local energy security and reducing vulnerability to power disruptions.
The planning process was initiated through a Renewable Energy (RE) Roadmap Scoping Workshop held from May 26 to 29 in Palo, Leyte and facilitated by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).
The workshop brought together local government officials, representatives from various municipal offices, civil society groups, and the Samar Electric Cooperative (SAMELCO) II.
The roadmap is expected to build on existing renewable energy projects in the municipality, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights in several remote barangays and the solarization of the executive building of the Paranas Municipal Hall. It will also serve as a guide for implementing the municipality’s Renewable Energy Code and Local Energy Code, ordinances approved following proposals introduced in 2025.
During the opening session, Mayor Elvira Babalcon said the municipality’s experience with prolonged power outages following typhoons influenced its decision to pursue localized energy planning.
Paranas, like many municipalities in the Visayas, relies on transmission infrastructure linked to the wider power grid.
This dependence can leave communities vulnerable to disruptions caused by natural disasters and other external factors. Local officials cited the September 2025 Cebu earthquake, which affected power systems in parts of the region, as an example of the challenges associated with centralized energy networks.
Participants in the workshop also discussed broader issues affecting energy supply in the country. Roberto Emilio Hernandez, ICSC Director for Energy Policy, noted that the Philippines remains heavily dependent on imported coal, with Indonesia supplying the majority of the country’s coal requirements.
Changes in export policies, fuel prices, and other international developments could have implications for electricity costs and supply stability.
Over four days, workshop participants assessed the municipality’s energy situation, identified potential renewable energy opportunities, and outlined priority programs and policies. Initial targets for renewable energy adoption were also discussed.
The workshop concluded with members of the Paranas Technical Working Group (TWG) identifying next steps for the completion of the roadmap and discussing plans to formally institutionalize the group through a municipal ordinance.
The TWG includes representatives from local government offices involved in planning, engineering, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, social welfare, environmental management, budgeting, and finance, alongside representatives from civil society organizations and the local electric cooperative.
The renewable energy roadmap is expected to guide future energy planning efforts in Paranas as local governments increasingly seek strategies to address energy reliability, rising electricity costs, and climate-related risks.
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