
CAMIGUIN, Mindanao—The PNOC successfully launched the first-ever Bright Islands Encounter on May 28, 2025, gathering around 80 participants from national government agencies, local government units, energy solutions companies, and the academe among others.
Led by the PNOC’s Project Management Department, the conference aimed to foster inter-organizational collaboration, discuss energy-related challenges faced by island provinces, and introduce renewable energy (RE) solutions and financing mechanisms for off-grid and remote communities.
PNOC President and CEO (PCEO) Oliver B. Butalid opened the event with an overview of the initiative, emphasizing the company’s role as a catalyst in the clean energy transition. Camiguin Provincial Governor Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo followed with a keynote address that underscored the province’s energy challenges, including its dependence on electricity from mainland Mindanao, and the high cost of diesel-based generation. He expressed optimism that meaningful partnerships formed through the Bright Islands Encounter could lead to more reliable and sustainable energy access across similar communities.
The program featured four focused sessions, each exploring how innovation, collaboration, and financing can converge to bring clean, affordable, and sustainable energy to the provinces.

National Power Corporation PCEO Fernando Martin Y. Roxas presented a national view of the electrification efforts across 168 islands, while calling for a shift toward hybrid systems and alternative fuels to address rising fuel and logistical challenges. The Department of Energy, represented by Assistant Secretary Mylene C. Capongcol, reiterated the importance of stronger collaboration and private sector engagement in meeting the government’s goal of 35% renewable energy share by 2030, especially in off-grid areas.
Innovative solutions were showcased throughout the day. Mr. Venkat Kumar Tangirala, Managing Director of Windstream Energy Technologies India, Pvt. Ltd., presented a hybrid wind-solar power solution called “Solar Mill” for rural and industrial use. Mr. Frederik Ragé, Chief Operations Officer of Turbulent NV, introduced compact micro-hydro turbines suitable for rivers and canals. Locally, Mr. Fermin L. Alvarez, Director General of FREYA Renewables, Inc., discussed the Camigreen Solar Project, a lease-to-own solar model for electric cooperatives to improve energy reliability and reduce losses.
Further highlighting emerging technologies, Ms. Alicia Hsu, CEO of Taiwan’s Revo Power, promoted solid oxide fuel cells as a land-efficient, high-capacity alternative for islands and critical facilities. Mr. Rico Numano, Founder and CEO of BloomX, advocated for cultivating Pongamia pinnata to produce sustainable aviation fuel and power while supporting land rehabilitation and rural employment.
On financing, Engr. Melvin B. Purzuelo, Executive Director of Green Forum Panay Guimaras, presented several finance and ecosystem-based models to support run-of-river hydropower projects. Meanwhile, Mr. Eden B. Japitana, First Vice President and Head of Lending Programs Management Group of the Land Bank of the Philippines, highlighted the current RE financing portfolio of its REAL Energy+ program and announced that they may soon support projects in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Fireside chats deepened the discussions, offering a space for open dialogue on watershed protection, biomass logistics, and the realities of RE deployment in far-flung locations. Additionally, case studies on fuel cell installations in Basilan and Pongamia plantations for bioenergy suggested scalable approaches for nationwide replication.
Business-to-business engagements also took place, enabling stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and identify opportunities for collaboration on future energy projects.
With the success of the inaugural Bright Islands Encounter, PNOC reaffirms its commitment to promote renewable energy solutions and support the national energy agenda in collaboration with public and private sector partners.
