The Department of Energy (DOE) is expanding its push for sustainable infrastructure by integrating renewable energy into public buildings in the Western Visayas region, targeting a reduction in government electricity costs.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin signed separate agreements on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with the Provincial Government of Iloilo and the City Government of Bacolod to formalize a partnership focused on solar energy and efficiency measures.

The move is part of the Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Public Buildings (SSG–ERPB) initiative, which aims to align local operations with the national target of at least 10% energy savings.

Energy efficiency and clean energy adoption in public buildings represents good governance, Garin said during the ceremonial signing. She noted that these partnerships provide measurable pathways for government facilities to reduce consumption and serve as a template for the private sector.

Under the agreement, the DOE will provide technical assistance for the deployment of solar photovoltaic systems and energy-efficient equipment. The department is also scheduled to conduct capacity-building sessions and training for local officials to manage the planning and monitoring of these power systems.

The Province of Iloilo enters the partnership with an existing portfolio of green energy projects, including solar PV installations in six district hospitals and solar-powered desalination units.

The province, which enacted a Renewable Energy Ordinance in 2022 to mandate infrastructure development and provide investment incentives, was named the pioneer awardee of the DOE’s Sustainable Energy Awards in December 2025.

In Bacolod, the city government will collaborate with the DOE to identify priority public buildings for solar integration. The initiative seeks to build a pipeline of public-sector projects that demonstrate immediate savings and improve the resiliency of facilities during power outages.

The addition of Iloilo and Bacolod brings the total number of local government units under the SSG–ERPB program to 12. Existing participants include Manila, Quezon City, Pasay, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Navotas, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, and the Province of Siquijor.

The DOE has also established a similar framework with the Department of Health to improve energy reliability in state-run hospitals.

Local governments are critical champions of the transition because they are closest to public services, Garin said. She added that when local leaders implement these policies, clean energy becomes a visible benefit for Filipinos.