Bacolod: The Negros Occidental provincial government is seeking to empower more communities and create further opportunities for its people through funding renewable energy (RE) initiatives. RECreate Negros: Powering Negros through Community-owned Renewable Energy Investments was launched at the closing of the three-day Renewable Energy Week Expo 2026 at SMX Convention Center here over the weekend. Eyed as beneficiaries are off-grid areas or geographically isolated, disadvantaged areas as well as farming and fisherfolk communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized that RECreate Negros is "a presentation of a clear and purposeful direction for the kind of development" that Negros Occidental "aspires to pursue as a province." He highlighted that the true measure of development is determined by how these investments improve lives, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for the people. Lacson stated that the vision behind RECreate Negros is both timely and significant, serving as a reminder that renewable energy should empower communities by supporting livelihoods, improving access to essential services, strengthening climate resilience, and fostering meaningful participation.
Former governor Rafael Coscolluela, provincial consultant on energy and environment concerns, mentioned that the province will formally implement RECreate Negros once the necessary documentation is in place. He noted that the program aims to bring renewable energy to communities in need of power, potentially boosting the demand for more solar PV (photovoltaic) systems in Negros Occidental. The implementation will require a counter-parting scheme among the provincial government, host local government units, and target communities, with partners including the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment and Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc.
Coscolluela revealed plans to establish an annual fund to enable local communities to avail of solar PV systems. He added that several applications were presented during the final day of the Renewable Energy Week Expo 2026, indicating that many communities could benefit from the SeCURE Negros program. The province's strategy for achieving a sustainable, secure, and renewable energy future is outlined in the SecuRE Negros Roadmap or Negros Occidental Energy Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan.
In addition to RECreate Negros, the province launched the Negros Occidental Energy Innovation Sprint to encourage academic institutions and young innovators to develop community-driven, future-ready energy solutions. The Be REady Roadshow was also introduced to enhance renewable energy education, awareness, and community engagement across the province. Data from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicate that Negros Occidental has a renewable energy potential of 14,277.7 megawatts (MW), including wind at 12,396 MW, solar at 1,787 MW, and hydropower at 94.7 MW.
Assistant Director Ruby de Guzman of DOE Renewable Energy Management Bureau, in her keynote message, underscored that these figures represent jobs for communities, investments for local economies, stronger energy security, and a cleaner future for the next generation. The Renewable Energy Week Expo 2026 brought together local governments, national agencies, industry leaders, academic institutions, innovators, advocates, and communities with a shared goal of creating a cleaner, more sustainable, and energy-secure Negros Occidental.
