Agrarian reform beneficiaries in Hacienda Esperanza, La Carlota City in Negros Occidental launched a P650,000 solar-powered muscovado processing plant June 25 in a bid to shield local sugar production from climate change-induced droughts and typhoons.
The 12.3-kilowatt-peak solar panel system, turned over to the Hacienda Esperanza Communal Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Cooperative (HECARCO), aims to stabilize productivity for Mangkasanon farmers while driving a transition to sustainable agriculture, the city said in a press release.
The project was inaugurated during a renewable energy forum at the City Social Hall, organized by the Alter Trade Foundation Inc. (ATFI) and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ).
Mayor Jose Luis “Joelu” Jalandoni welcomed the initiative, and emphasized that multi-sectoral collaboration is vital to establishing sustainable farming systems and inclusive economic development across La Carlota.
ATFI agriculturist Analyn Escanes said severe weather fluctuations have routinely disrupted HECARCO’s output, making distributed renewable energy microgrids essential for securing the livelihoods of rural food producers.
The initiative aligns with the provincial government’s “REcreate Negros” program, which advocates for clean energy adoption across agricultural communities in Negros Occidental.
Representatives from partner-organizations attended the launch, including Central Philippines State University president Aladino Moraca, Department of Trade and Industry representative Jake Martin Trayco, and ATFI executive director Edwin Marthine Lopez.
HECARCO president Angelito Estama, meanwhile, recognized the community’s resilience, while organizers highlighted an accompanying ATFI youth scholarship program designed to train the next generation of sustainable agricultural workers. ||
