Bishop Moises Cuevas of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan has called on Mindoro’s Church, local governments, civil society, and Indigenous communities to unite in ending the island’s chronic power instability by embracing renewable energy.

“Renewable energy is not just about power – it’s about our right to live with light: light that is affordable, humane, and sustainable,” Bishop Cuevas said during the launch of the ‘REnew Mindoro’ campaign on Friday.

“If we move collectively as the Church, local governments, civil society, communities, and Indigenous Peoples, Mindoro can truly become an island of light – powered by the sun and wind, not by fossil fuels. Light for everyone, not just for a few. And light that reflects a faith in action,” he added.

‘Island of light’

The prelate’s appeal came as the island continues to endure frequent power outages linked to its dependence on fossil fuels. 

The ‘REnew Mindoro’ campaign seeks to accelerate the province’s shift to clean energy and is part of the 10 Million Solar Rooftops Challenge, a national initiative promoting decentralized renewable power for households and communities.

According to a new report by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), Mindoro has a renewable energy potential of around 35,000 megawatts, far exceeding its 108 MW peak demand and even surpassing the combined capacity of all power plants nationwide.

“The data is clear: renewable energy is the solution to perennial power problems in Mindoro,” said Avril de Torres, CEED deputy executive director. 

“Renewables are more affordable, reliable, and sustainable. Political will from the government, and the empowerment and leadership of communities are the key to a power development plan that unlocks renewables for all Mindoreños,” she added. 

CEED’s data show that renewable energy sources can offer generation rates as low as ₱5–₱7 per kilowatt-hour, compared to ₱23/kWh for oil-based fuels.

Local leadership for clean energy

Local officials have also joined the call to action. Mayor Bong Mendoza of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, urged fellow leaders to “begin in our own backyards” by installing solar systems in public facilities.

“We can begin in our own backyards by solarizing municipal halls, health centers, schools, and other public facilities,” Mendoza said. “This is a concrete step that shows our commitment to lowering electricity costs for our communities, reducing reliance on expensive fuels, and setting an example for households and businesses to follow.”

He encouraged other mayors and local leaders in Mindoro to “join us in powering our towns sustainably.”

‘No place for fossil fuels’

Environmental advocates linked the campaign to ongoing efforts to protect the Verde Island Passage (VIP), one of the world’s most biodiverse marine corridors, which faces threats from fossil fuel development.

“The people of Mindoro and the VIP have suffered far too much already from fossil fuel use in and beyond our island – be it from perennial outages, or the disaster that was the 2023 oil spill,” said Father Edwin Gariguez, lead convenor of Protect VIP. 

“Fossil fuels have no place in Mindoro or anywhere in the VIP. Renewable energy can already deliver reliable and affordable energy without threatening marine life and livelihoods of coastal communities,” the priest added. 

Gariguez said, “It is high time for Mindoro to fully transition to renewables and lead by example for the rest of the country to follow.”

The ‘REnew Mindoro’ campaign launch coincided with the National Day of Action Against Coal and Gas, uniting Church leaders, advocates, and local officials in a shared vision of a “just transition” to clean energy — one that protects both people and creation.