Recently declared as the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol province is known for its significant geological formation, biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage. The new global recognition will further boost the local tourism industry, which adds up to the importance of Bohol in establishing independent and reliable power and energy sources to further sustain its economic growth.

The Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST), in partnership with the German foundation Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Youthlead Philippines, and a local youth group Kabiling Lunhaw, brought together key energy stakeholders in the province in a forum titled ‘Enhancing Climate Resilience in Bohol’s Power and Energy Sector’ held on June 20, 2023, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Sixty-two participants from the provincial government and various local government units, youth, academe, businesses, healthcare, tourism, NGOs, and community-based organizations identified opportunities on how to strengthen the province’s energy security and disaster resilience amid climate emergency and increasing costs of diesel and other fossil fuels. Resource persons from the Bohol 1 Electric Cooperative, PMCJ in Visayas, the University of San Carlos in Cebu, and Bohol Island State University shared their expertise during the forum.

Some of the points identified during the forum were as follows:

  • The province needs to develop more indigenous renewable energy sources. Bohol’s high dependence on outside power source energy sources, specifically on the Leyte connection, puts at risk its social and economic development in a future where there will be more frequent extreme typhoons and weather events.
  • The province has a huge potential for renewable energy resources that remain untapped.
  • Information and awareness-raising activities remain important since many stakeholders are not aware of the power and energy situation of the province.
  • The adoption of energy efficiency and conservation practices is important to reduce energy demand and consumption.

The participants were grateful to be part of a dialogue between representatives from the government, power industries, RE developers, youth, and electricity consumers. The discussions sparked hope for them to learn more about these issues that are very relevant to their province. Most importantly, the participants realized how important the role of stakeholders is in the energy transition of the province and the collective efforts in achieving energy efficiency and conservation and the efficient use of renewable energy.