Makati city: The Department of Energy (DOE) has named the provincial government of Northern Samar as the winner of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 under the local government units category, recognizing its leadership and initiatives in advancing renewable energy. In a letter sent to Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan, the DOE commended the province for its 'strong and sustained commitment to creating an enabling environment for the deployment of renewable energy within its jurisdiction.'
According to Philippines News Agency, the awarding ceremony will be held on Dec. 16 at the Makati Shangri-La in Makati City. The DOE Sustainable Energy Awards selection committee cited several milestone initiatives that set Northern Samar apart, including being the first province in the Philippines to adopt a green lane policy for renewable energy investments. This initiative ensures fast-tracked processing while safeguarding environmental and sustainability standards.
The provincial government also implemented its Corporate Social Responsibility Ordinance of 2025, which has generated significant socioeconomic benefits for local communities. John Allen Berbon, head of the provincial economic development and investment promotions office, stated that the award affirms the province's efforts to contribute to the country's clean energy goals. He noted that under former governor Edwin Ongchuan, Northern Samar pursued a bio-circular-green economy, a direction that Governor Harris Ongchuan continues while also prioritizing health, climate change adaptation, and employment.
Berbon highlighted that Northern Samar has set its sights on establishing a bio-circular-green economy, with Governor Harris Ongchuan continuing this effort and adding health, climate change adaptation, and employment opportunities as priorities. Berbon elaborated that the province's energy portfolio includes one hydroelectric power plant, three proposed solar farms, the first tidal energy project in Southeast Asia, and a recently proposed waste-to-energy plant. These projects are dedicated to clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly initiatives.
Currently, Northern Samar has one onshore wind project in either the development or construction phase, alongside three projects in the pre-development stage. Additionally, the province has an offshore wind project also in the pre-development phase.
