As part of the Province of Bohol’s continuing efforts to advance the development and utilization of renewable energy, a Technical Learning Visit to selected renewable energy facilities was conducted on January 9, 2026. The activity gathered members of the Bohol Renewable Energy Board (BREB) together with representatives from BANGON member organizations for an on-the-ground learning experience showcasing operational renewable energy systems within the province.
The visit included site tours and technical briefings at key facilities, namely the Dagohoy Solar Power Plant and the BOHECO I Sevilla Mini-Hydro Power Plant. Through these engagements, participants gained firsthand insights into the technical operations, system design, and management of both solar and mini-hydro energy systems currently contributing to Bohol’s power mix.
Complementing the technical site visits was a dedicated learning stop at the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Ubay. A dialogue with the Municipal Administrator and the Waterworks Superintendent provided valuable perspectives on the local government’s experience in welcoming renewable energy investors. Discussions highlighted enabling policies and processes that facilitated investments, as well as challenges encountered, including regulatory requirements, community engagement, and infrastructure considerations—offering important governance and policy insights alongside the technical discussions.
Organized in support of sustainable development and climate resilience, the activity aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of how renewable energy systems operate in practice. It also generated valuable insights on facility management, maintenance requirements, operational challenges, and stakeholder engagement approaches employed by both public and private sector operators. Key learnings from the visit will help inform the ongoing development of the Bohol Renewable Energy Roadmap and identify opportunities for policy support and mechanisms to further accelerate renewable energy initiatives in the province.
Beyond technical learning, the activity strengthened collaboration among local government units, electric cooperatives, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and facility operators—reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy solutions for Boholano communities.
The learning visit was conducted in partnership with the Bohol Provincial Environment and Management Office (BPEMO), which also serves as the BREB Secretariat, and was facilitated by the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation, Inc. (SWCFI) under the ASPIRE Project.
Participants were warmly received by Engr. Frederick B. Pizaña, Plant Manager of the Dagohoy Solar Power Plant; Karl Vladmir Arbon, Municipal Administrator, and Romer Berse, Waterworks Superintendent of MLGU Ubay; and Engr. Jodel Bag-ao, Maintenance Engineer of the BOHECO I Sevilla Mini-Hydro Power Plant.
This technical learning visit marks another meaningful step in Bohol’s renewable energy journey. The knowledge and insights gained by the BREB from this exposure will strengthen informed decision-making and help shape future models for the energy transition of the Province of Bohol—moving it closer to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
— BANGON, Inc.
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