HANDPHIL Enertex has signed a memorandum of agreement with Lubang Electric Cooperative to develop a solar photovoltaic project on Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro, marking an important step toward cleaner and more reliable power for the island. The agreement was signed on January 29, 2026, by HANDPHIL Enertex President and CEO William Teoh and Lubelco Board Chairman Natividad Viana, with officials from the Department of Energy, local government units, and community representatives in attendance.
The project is the first phase of HANDPHIL’s partnership with Lubelco and will involve the development of a 1-megawatt embedded solar photovoltaic system integrated with a battery energy storage system. According to Teoh, this phase is designed to support future expansion and help the island gradually move away from its heavy dependence on diesel-based power generation. At present, Lubang Island relies largely on diesel fuel and government subsidies to meet its electricity needs.
Teoh said the project aims to reduce the use of imported fuel, lower power generation costs over time, and provide more stable and affordable electricity to residents. He described the agreement as a shared effort between the government, private sector, and local community to improve energy access while protecting the environment.
Department of Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the Philippines is undergoing one of Southeast Asia’s most ambitious energy transitions. He noted that the government is working toward a target of 35 percent renewable energy in the power generation mix by 2030, with a strong focus on hybrid systems that combine renewable energy with storage. Bacordo highlighted that the solar panels to be used in the project can collect sunlight from both the front and back, increasing power output by about 25 percent.
A key component of the project is the battery energy storage system, which will help manage peak demand, improve grid stability, and ensure a reliable power supply even when solar generation is low. Battery storage systems respond very quickly to changes in the grid and can supply power in less than a second, making renewable energy more dependable for island communities.
HANDPHIL Enertex will handle the development, financing, construction, and long-term operation of the project in coordination with Lubelco, the Department of Energy, and other authorities. The company said full operations are expected to begin within eight months.
The initiative supports the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050, particularly its goal of expanding renewable energy in missionary and island areas. HANDPHIL Enertex said the project reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable energy and community partnership, using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart monitoring systems to improve efficiency and reliability across its projects.
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