Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla joined government officials, energy experts, and development stakeholders at the Renewable Energy Leaders Forum in Bohol, where he shared Leyte’s experience in renewable energy development and resilient governance amid growing concerns over energy security and climate-related challenges.
Held at Bohol Tropics Resort, the forum gathered local government leaders, civil society organizations, and energy sector representatives to discuss strategies for accelerating the country’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
Organizers emphasized the need for stronger local government participation in renewable energy initiatives as provinces seek long-term solutions to rising electricity costs, volatile fuel prices, and increasing energy demand.
In a social media post, Petilla expressed gratitude for the invitation and highlighted the importance of collaborative action in pursuing a “cleaner, more resilient, and more secure energy future.”
His participation highlighted Leyte’s significant role in the Philippine renewable energy landscape, particularly in geothermal power generation.
Leyte remains one of the country’s most important renewable energy hubs.
The province hosts major geothermal facilities that form part of the Unified Leyte Geothermal Complex, one of the largest geothermal operations in the Philippines.
These facilities have long contributed reliable baseload power to the national grid and have helped position the country among the world’s leading producers of geothermal energy.
The discussions in Bohol come as the Philippines intensifies efforts to expand renewable energy capacity nationwide.
Under the National Renewable Energy Program, the government aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Officials have expressed confidence that these targets are achievable through continued investments in solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal projects.
Recent developments indicate growing momentum behind the country’s energy transition.
The Philippines has attracted major renewable energy investments, including large-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects designed to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen long-term energy security.
For Leyte, whose economy and identity have long been linked to geothermal energy, Petilla’s participation in the forum reinforced the province’s continuing role in shaping national conversations on sustainable development.
As local governments increasingly become key players in the clean energy transition, forums such as this one provide opportunities to exchange best practices and develop partnerships that support resilient communities and sustainable economic growth.
The event concluded with renewed calls for collaboration among government, industry, and civil society to ensure that renewable energy development remains at the center of the country’s long-term development agenda.
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