Green energy advocates laud Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro for declaring itself as a Fossil Fuel-free and Renewable Energy Municipality, the first step of the local government’s bid to solarize public institutions across the municipality.
Through Resolution No. 429-2026, Mansalay has pioneered policymaking to transition Mindoro away from fossil fuel dependence towards tapping the island’s renewable energy potential. The Resolution is a concrete realization of the Mansalay LGU’s collaboration with REnew Mindoro and the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), both champions of the Resolution since it was first proposed.
“The Mansalay LGU recognizes the important role of private sector participation in community development. In this particular instance, we are truly thankful to all the convenors of REnew Mindoro for fostering our involvement in this noble undertaking of pushing forth a fossil-free municipality for Mansalay and eventually shift to dependence on sustainable renewable energy for multi-faceted reasons like economics and environment protection,” said Vice Mayor Joel Maliwanag of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mansalay
“Despite its 34.76 GW renewable energy potential, Mindoro remains heavily dependent on oil and diesel, leaving entire communities vulnerable to price shocks and outages. Bunker fuel and diesel comprise 57.6% and 25.5% of Occidental Mindoro’s capacity, respectively; while oil-based sources comprise 75.66% of Oriental Mindoro’s generation capacity. Mansalay’s resolution is a crucial step for institutionalizing the energy transition and modeling energy democracy for communities, showing other LGUs that the switch to renewables is not just possible, but also imperative for the protection of Mindoreños against the energy crisis,” said Gerry Arances, Executive Director of CEED.
Mansalay’s Resolution 429-2026 pushes for integrating renewable energy into local development programs; encouraging investments into renewables; and championing community-centered renewables for all. For the proponents, including REnew Mindoro, the Resolution is a model of using community-led initiatives and local government to jumpstart energy transition policies.
“As the energy crisis persists, the need for transitioning towards clean, sustainable, and community-centered energy grows. Developing Mindoro’s renewable energy requires the consistent and constant effort of all LGUs, parishes, financiers, institutions, civil society organizations, and all Mindoreños. The Church, in particular, must champion ecological protection through the energy transition, in practice of caring for our common home,” said Bishop Moises Cuevas of the Diocese of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.
The REnew Mindoro Caravan, emboldened by the Mansalay LGU’s recent resolution, continues to champion accessibility and affordability of renewable energy technology for Mindoreños, not just for the economic benefits, but also for the ecological protection renewables offer.
“We won’t stop at Mansalay. We will push on to promote access to solar for all Mindoreños, in partnership with other LGUs, other civil society organizations, and renewable energy advocates. Protecting the ecology of Mindoro, of the Verde Island Passage, and ultimately the entire country begins at solarizing our communities at home,” said Bishop Cuevas.