Leaders, policymakers, and renewable energy advocates from across Bohol gathered on June 3, 2026, at Bohol Tropics Resort for the Bohol Leaders Forum on Renewable Energy, a province-wide dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing sustainable energy development. Anchored on the theme, “Aligning Bohol’s Strategic Direction for Accelerated Renewable Energy Deployment,” the forum served as a platform for key stakeholders to exchange insights, share experiences, and reinforce a common vision for a cleaner, more resilient, and energy-secure future for the province.
The forum was organized by the Bohol Association of Non-Government Organizations, Inc. (BANGON) through Project ASPIRE (Advancing Sustainable Provincial Investments for Renewable Energy), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bohol, the Bohol Provincial Environment and Management Office (BPEMO), the Bohol Renewable Energy Board (BREB), and the Department of Energy (DOE).
Participants included members of the League of Municipal Mayors, League of Vice Mayors, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators, and Sangguniang Bayan Committee Heads on Environment and Energy, reflecting a strong province-wide commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions and sustainable development.
In his welcome message, Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership in shaping Bohol’s energy future and underscored the role of local governments in driving the transition toward cleaner energy systems.
Delivering a message of support, Francis Bernard I. Batoy, President of BANGON, highlighted the organization’s continuing efforts to advance renewable energy initiatives through Project ASPIRE.
“Through the ASPIRE Project, BANGON has been working with local government units, provincial agencies, and community stakeholders to support Bohol’s renewable energy agenda. Our role is straightforward: to facilitate, to connect, and to ensure that the process of energy transition is grounded in the realities of the communities it is meant to serve,” Batoy said.
Providing the national perspective on renewable energy development, Ruby B. de Guzman, Assistant Director of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau of the Department of Energy, presented the country’s current energy landscape and outlined the national government’s strategic direction for expanding renewable energy deployment.
The province’s renewable energy initiatives were presented by Board Member Jiselle Rae Aumentado-Villamor, Representative of the Second District of Bohol, through her presentation, “Strategic Energy Governance for a Sustainable Bohol.” Her presentation highlighted the province’s ongoing efforts to strengthen policies, governance mechanisms, and institutional support systems that promote sustainable energy development.
The forum also featured renewable energy champions from other provinces who shared valuable experiences and lessons that could help inform Bohol’s renewable energy journey.
Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla of Leyte, former Secretary of the Department of Energy, presented Leyte’s renewable energy programs and policy initiatives. He also provided insights into the country’s power grid system, discussing the economic implications, costs, and potential long-term benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Meanwhile, Board Member Rolando B. Distura of Iloilo’s Fourth District shared the province’s renewable energy roadmap and highlighted policies and strategies that have helped advance Iloilo’s renewable energy agenda.
An open forum moderated by Ms. Joan Llanos enabled participants to engage directly with the speakers. Local government representatives raised questions and shared perspectives, while the panel composed of Governor Petilla, Board Member Distura, and Assistant Director De Guzman addressed key issues related to renewable energy development. The discussion fostered meaningful dialogue on both the opportunities and challenges surrounding the energy transition at the local level.
The afternoon workshop session, facilitated by Ms. Joan V. Llanos, Dr. Maria Ligaya A. Camilon, and Ms. Doris D. Obena, provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on the future of renewable energy in their respective municipalities. Through guided discussions, local leaders assessed existing strengths and opportunities that could support renewable energy development, identified barriers to adoption, and explored critical issues related to financing, policy, and implementation. The session also encouraged participants to share experiences, surface common challenges, and formulate practical recommendations to accelerate Bohol’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
Representatives from the Department of Energy–Visayas Field Office—Lourdes Arciaga, Randolf de Dios, and Miguel Trenuela—provided technical guidance and valuable insights, particularly on financing mechanisms and practical approaches to promoting renewable energy projects at the local level.
The forum concluded on a positive and forward-looking note, reaffirming Bohol’s commitment to renewable energy development, a just energy transition, and the cultivation of more renewable energy champions throughout the province. Participants emphasized the importance of addressing existing barriers, developing sustainable and inclusive solutions, and positioning Bohol as a leader in renewable energy innovation and governance in the region.
As Bohol continues to pursue a future powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy, the Bohol Leaders Forum on Renewable Energy marked a significant milestone in strengthening partnerships, fostering collaboration, and aligning stakeholders toward a shared vision of sustainable development and energy resilience.
– BANGON, Inc.