Siquijor, an island province heavily reliant on tourism and dependent on local power grid supply, stands to benefit greatly from faster energy infra project approvals, the Department of Energy said.
The DOE is strengthening its nationwide drive to streamline the permitting process for energy infrastructure projects, to accelerate energy development.
As part of this initiative, the DOE, through undersecretary Mylene Capongcol, met with officials of the province of Siquijor, led by Vice Governor Dindo Tumala, Oct. 29 to formally introduce the standardized LGU Ordinance Template for Energy Infrastructure Projects (EIPs).
Developed by the DOE, the template serves as a blueprint to help local governments harmonize and simplify their permitting procedures. It aims to enhance efficiency, reduce regulatory bottlenecks, and ensure predictable timelines for project implementation, key elements in fostering investor confidence and accelerating energy development.
“The LGU Ordinance Template empowers local government units to recognize and fulfill their vital role in developing energy infrastructure,” Capongcol said in a statement Oct. 30. “Streamlined permitting processes enable communities to achieve more rapid progress, leading to improved power supply and stronger local economies.”
Siquijor stands to benefit greatly from faster project approvals, the DOE said. The province currently operates three diesel power facilities with a combined capacity of 17.8 megawatts (MW), to be complemented soon by a 4.29 MW solar power project in the municipality of Siquijor. These developments will strengthen the island’s energy resilience and support sustainable growth.
“Our objective is to establish a permitting process that is both efficient and strategic, one that empowers local communities while advancing the country’s long-term energy security,” Capongcol added.
During the consultation, DOE officials presented the proposed accelerated guidelines for infrastructure development, and provided updates on national and regional energy programs.
Discussions covered topics, such as Energy Regulations (ER) 1-94 Benefits to Host Communities, the Net Metering Advancement Program, and the Lifeline Rate Expansion Program. The team also presented opportunities for solar rooftop installations as a demand-side management measure for the province and reviewed consumer rights and obligations.
The adoption of accelerated permitting guidelines continues to gain traction among LGUs nationwide. Since early 2025, the DOE has conducted similar consultations with provincial governments of Negros Occidental, Batangas, Rizal, Ilocos Norte, Iloilo, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Sorsogon.
The DOE said it remains steadfast in fostering collaboration with LGUs and stakeholders to strengthen local participation, align policies with national goals, and ensure that energy projects bring sustainable socio-economic benefits to every community. ||
