As we write today’s piece, the conflict in the Middle East remains in a fragile, temporary ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. We believe this is supposed to end today. Last we heard, both countries are supposed to be heading back to the negotiation table. Still, tensions are high, and there appears to be no comprehensive long-term deal in place.

Yesterday, Tuesday, authorities announced a price drop for petroleum products in the country, providing temporary relief to motorists and commuters. Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin ensures that we do not entertain unfounded hopes about price levels returning to those before the Middle East conflict. We can only hope that if the protagonists in this conflict return to more sober and reasonable negotiation this week and the ceasefire holds, oil product prices may nosedive further next week.

Meanwhile, instead of lamenting the lack of positive developments, we have opted to shift our focus to what is going right in our country today.

Among the good news we heard recently came from Finance Secretary Frederick Go.

Last week, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to putting job creation at the top of the list of priorities. He said several sectors are expected to contribute significantly to this goal. Among these are the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industry and the renewable energy sector.

Among the three, the renewable energy sector has the greatest impact on local governments and communities. The presence and growth of renewable power plants bring hope for progress and better lives to the provinces and municipalities that host them.

There are three important benefits that the presence of renewable energy (RE) power plants brings to local governments and communities: First, jobs; second, revenue; and third, corporate social responsibility projects.

We understand that RE plants – particularly wind and solar – do not create as many jobs as those generated (pardon the pun) by plants using traditional technology (coal and diesel). The latter requires more manpower for operations. Solar and wind power plants operate in automatic mode. They require smaller security, administration, and maintenance staff. We understand that RE plants had employed some 120,000 skilled workers as of the middle of last year. The figure includes jobs created for the construction of the plants and other allied services. Projections indicate that the RE power plant sector may create 350,000 additional jobs by 2030. This must be the basis for Secretary Go’s optimistic view of the future.

The presence of RE plants is good for local revenues. Besides real property taxes for privately owned and operated facilities, these facilities are covered by a law (Republic Act 7638, as implemented by Energy Regulation 1-94) that gives host barangays and municipalities an amount based on a percentage of the power generated and sold by the generation facilities they host. The proceeds are used to help host LGUs with their electrification requirements, livelihood needs, and environmental protection needs. We understand that, as of 2024, more than 600 local government units are benefitting from the proceeds of ER 1-94.

Secretary Go’s optimistic view is supported by the fact that most, if not all, of the country's top conglomerates are investing heavily in renewable power plants. They include the Ayala, Aboitiz, Lopez, and San Miguel Groups. Other important players include Alternergy and Citicore. They had expressed their commitment to support the country’s national target to have 35 percent of our electricity supply generated by RE plants by 2030. The goal is to move that share to 50 percent by 2040. They are expected to invest some ₱1.65 trillion in renewable energy projects over the next 10 years.

Some of those investments have already reached Rizal province.

There are two major renewable energy plants in the province today. The first is the now-famous Pililla Rizal Wind Farm operated by Alternergy. This is located in Barangay Halayhayin, which overlooks Laguna de Bay. The 27 wind turbines now operating are a sight to behold, attracting vast numbers of tourists and curious passers-by. They feed more than 50 megawatts of clean energy to the national power grid.

The second is the Baras Solar Power Plant operated by MGreen Baras Solar, a part of the Lopez group. This is located in Barangay Pinugay and is visible from Antipolo City along the road that leads to Teresa. This was inaugurated last year and is expected to add 80 megawatts of clean energy to the country’s power supply.

Alternergy is expanding its presence in and contribution to Rizal Province with the establishment of the Tanay Wind Farm, just near the Pililla site. This is expected to add 128 megawatts to the country’s power supply and is slated to begin operations later this year.

RE power plants offer us one more benefit: They reduce our dependence on imported power sources such as coal and diesel. With more plants using indigenous, renewable resources, we will be less nervous when trouble strikes in other parts of the world, which disrupts the supply chain.

The government is on the right track with its vision and programs for renewable energy development.