Samal, an island renowned for its beaches and rich biodiversity, has been plagued by power shortages that have cost its tourism industry around ₱50 million annually. And while the island is home to wildlife sanctuaries such as the Monfort Bat Sanctuary and the Giant Clam Sanctuary, it has been relying on a less-than-ideal source of electricity—a diesel power plant.
“We’re known as an eco-tourism destination,” outgoing Island Garden City of Samal City (Igacos) mayor Al David Uy shared with Esquire Philippines. “Yet it’s embarrassing to admit that we still rely on a diesel power plant.”
Determined to address this contradiction, Mayor Uy spearheaded the shift toward sustainable energy solutions, including the launch of the island’s first large-scale solar power projects.
As the Island Garden City of Samal looks to the future, it’s turning to solar power to fuel growth in a cleaner, more resilient way. This shift toward renewable energy reflects the city’s commitment to sustainability and energy independence.
(Also read: Power Woes in Tourist Spots a Bane for Business — Study)
Rooftop solar project marks shift to sustainable energy
In response to ongoing power reliability issues, the city government decided to harness one of the island’s most plentiful natural resources: solar energy. This led to the launch of the Samal Renewable Energy Project, which involved installing 1,036 solar panels on the roof of the municipal hall’s 2,690-square-meter parking facility last February. On average, it generates between 380 and 450 kilowatts of electricity per day—well above the city hall’s typical daily usage of 250 kilowatts.
“We plan to use the excess to power our public market and other facilities,” said City Engineer Matthew Arig. The ₱50-million project was funded through a loan from LandBank and is projected to pay for itself within seven to ten years. Over time, it’s expected to save the city millions of pesos in electricity expenses—freeing up resources for other local initiatives.
Since the solar facility began operating, the city government of Samal has already saved up to ₱132,095 in electricity costs—a promising early return on its renewable energy investment.
More than just a cost-saving measure, the solar facility also marks a significant shift toward energy independence and climate-conscious development in a region where power interruptions are still a common challenge.
(Also read: From Rooftops to the Grid: 1,850MW of Solar Power Uncovered)
Local solar initiatives drive Mindanao’s green energy transition
Samal’s shift to solar energy is extending beyond city hall. The island’s Department of Education office now uses a hybrid solar system to power its data center, shielding critical computer systems from the voltage fluctuations that previously caused system failures and interrupted school operations.
Local efforts like these reflect a broader renewable energy movement gaining momentum across Mindanao. Advocacy groups such as Mindanao Goes Solar are leading the charge by organizing expos, promoting knowledge sharing, and connecting communities with reliable solar providers. Their mission is to accelerate the region’s transition to clean, cost-effective, and sustainable energy.
According to Project Head Philline Donggay, the group’s role goes beyond advocacy—it’s about shaping how the region understands and adopts solar energy. “The theory of change is that Mindanao Goes Solar becomes the primary communicator and knowledge-sharing innovator for solar-related information in Mindanao,” she said. “In doing so, we aim to enrich the local solar ecosystem, foster partnerships, and help the industry achieve solar adoption at scale.”
(Also read: Lighting up Mindanao: A Grassroots Push for Solar Power)
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227905
https://mindanaogoessolar.org/
