The Soil and Water Conservation Foundation, Inc. (SWCFI), through the ASPIRE Project, successfully conducted a three-day Multi-Sector Round Table Discussion on Renewable Energy across the three districts of Bohol. The activity convened participants from District 1 (Tagbilaran City, Corella, Catigbian, Balilihan, and Sikatuna) at Kew Hotel in Tagbilaran City; District 3 (Garcia-Hernandez, Candijay, Jagna, Anda, and Valencia, including the Eskaya IP community from Duero and Guindulman) at IDEA Café and Pension House in Jagna; and District 2 (San Miguel, Talibon, Ubay, Getafe, and Dagohoy) at Gavene’s Resto in Ubay, bringing together a diverse and dynamic group of stakeholders.
The discussions were attended by representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), people’s organizations (POs), municipal CSO desk officers, youth groups, church communities, farmers’ and fisherfolk organizations, women’s groups, the business sector, and Indigenous Peoples. Key presentations were delivered by Architect Victoria Arnaiz on climate and renewable energy, Engr. Jayson Siez of the Bohol Provincial Environment and Management Office on Bohol’s green initiatives, and Engr. Jerrey David Aguilar on the principles of a Just Energy Transition. These were complemented by interactive workshops focusing on hotspot sharing and local realities, shared responsibilities and safeguards, and opportunities for collaboration.
The round table discussions aimed to strengthen participants’ foundational understanding of renewable energy sources such as solar, mini-hydro, and wind; provide data-driven insights on potential renewable energy hotspots in Bohol; clarify the lifecycle of renewable energy projects; and identify meaningful entry points for community participation in decision-making, monitoring, and implementation processes.
Over the course of the three-day engagement, several key insights emerged. There is strong community interest and readiness to support renewable energy development, supported by existing local assets and increasing environmental awareness. However, notable capacity gaps persist, particularly in technical knowledge, policy support, and access to funding. Participants consistently emphasized the importance of a Just Energy Transition, underscoring the need for equity, transparency, and inclusive participation. The discussions also highlighted the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms and improve policy implementation, while reinforcing the critical value of multi-stakeholder collaboration. Moreover, it was recognized that each municipality operates within a unique context, necessitating tailored and localized approaches to renewable energy development.
Through this initiative, the ASPIRE Project, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol, has laid important groundwork for the province’s renewable energy future. The insights generated from these discussions will help inform the development of the Bohol Renewable Energy Plan and further strengthen the capacity of civil society to advocate for and support inclusive and sustainable energy transitions.
— BANGON, Inc.
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