DOE, Siquijor Province Ink Pact to Tackle Power Woes Through Solar and Energy Efficiency Program

In a significant step toward addressing persistent energy supply issues in Siquijor, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Provincial Government of Siquijor signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings Program.

The agreement, signed by DOE Officer-in-Charge Sharon S. Garin and Siquijor Governor Jake Vincent S. Villa, aims to reduce electricity consumption in government facilities through the deployment of solar photovoltaic systems and energy-efficient technologies. The initiative is part of a broader national directive led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to promote sustainable energy use, particularly in underserved regions.

“This MOA is more than just a formal document—it is a statement of shared commitment and action,” said Garin during the signing ceremony. “In the face of Siquijor’s power supply challenges, we are taking meaningful steps today, not waiting for the future.”

Under the program, select government buildings across the province will be equipped with solar panels, inverter-type air-conditioning units, energy-efficient lighting, and smart meters, easing pressure on the local grid and improving energy resilience.

Garin emphasized that “every kilowatt-hour we save in our government facilities is a kilowatt-hour that can help power homes and businesses in Siquijor.”

The DOE will lead the technical implementation, including energy audits, system installations, and capacity-building efforts, while the provincial government will designate a focal person to coordinate the rollout.

In a related effort, DOE officials also held meetings with the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PROSIELCO) and Siquijor Power Corporation (SIPCOR) to explore long-term strategies for stabilizing the province’s energy supply.

The collaboration reflects a growing urgency to implement practical and immediate renewable energy solutions in provinces facing unreliable electricity access.