AgreenergI Consortium holds Inaugural Meeting to advance Renewable Energy and Sustainability Roadmap

By Aina Bitiara Mauyag, Staff of Agropolis S&T Park Management
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The AgreenergI Consortium gathered key stakeholders and partners during its meeting at the Fabrication Laboratory Conference Room of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro (USTP CDO) on May 27, 2025. The event served as a dynamic platform for advancing discussions on renewable energy integration, sustainable development, and institutional collaboration through the AgreenergI Industry-based Master Plan. 

Charting a Strategic Path for AgreenergI

Mr. Clint Django G. Pacana, Manager of USTP Claveria (Agropolis) S&T Park, underscored that the AgreenergI Consortium is advancing an Industry-based Master Plan (IBMP) aiming to align institutional plans, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. This strategic roadmap emphasizes integrating land and water use compliance with renewable energy initiatives, ensuring efficient resource allocation and attracting investment.

Exploring Renewable Energy Opportunities

Engr. Dolino, Renewable Energy and Investment Plan (REIP) scoping lead, shared valuable insights regarding energy development opportunities. Regarding solar energy, the emphasis is on rooftop installations, with assurances that grassland areas will remain unaffected. Additionally, he highlighted the promising biomass potential in Misamis Oriental.

Ms. Juris Agustin of CEED presented the 10 Million Solar Rooftop Challenge, which has reached 191 megawatts nationally and is closely linked to Agreenergl’s goals. With 9 million rooftops already government-funded, the campaign aims to hit 10 million installations. Ms. Juris stressed the importance of community involvement to ensure the challenge’s success.

Integrating Energy and Food Production

Engr. Reuel C. Pallugna, Manager of USTP Alubijid (AGILA) S&T Park, emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing energy efficiency as a cost-effective foundational step, alongside the integration of renewable energy technologies.

He underscored the need to enhance the efficiency of distribution networks and to include USTP in broader energy utilization initiatives, with a particular focus on optimizing equipment performance. Additionally, he advocated for the adoption of comprehensive energy management systems, including those for water utilities. The Department of Energy has affirmed its commitment to partnering with USTP as the lead prototype collaborator for similar initiatives moving forward.

Lastly, Captain Ko, as Iligan City’s Ambassador of Goodwill of Sangguniang Kabataan, highlighted the city’s energy and environmental hurdles, such as unreliable supply and aging infrastructure. He envisions a dynamic Korea-Philippines green partnership with all AgreenergI signatories collaborating on research and pilot proposals.

During the round table discussions, Mr. Clint Pacana initiated the conversation by emphasizing the necessity of registering Agropolis Incorporated with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He proposed that the organization could be set up as a Non-Stock/Profit Organization, and members present agreed that processing the necessary documents and following the appropriate procedures would be vital.

Strengthening Institutional Collaboration

Following his remarks, Councilor Van Barros, a representative from LGU Claveria, underscored the importance of collaboration between the Academe (USTP) and the LGU when it comes to research, given USTP’s expertise in this area. Ms. Lyn from PMCJ added that this collaboration, particularly regarding Renewable Energy initiatives, should also prioritize community organizing and the inclusion of youth empowerment within the Renewable Energy campaign. Mr. Pacana reiterated the importance of engaging in community organizing for the Renewable Energy (RE) campaign. USTP Claveria Chancellor Dr. Renato O. Arazo echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of community industry-based collaborations for USTP Claveria, especially in research, as a crucial component in achieving their initiatives.

PMCJ Engr. Edwin Tesaluna, the Senior RE Officer, spoke about PMCJ’s collaboration with USTP, focusing on Renewable Energy and addressing climate change. He discussed transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy through Agrovoltaics and fully supporting Agropolis as a member of the AgreenergI Consortium. This initiative aims to integrate energy and food production while prioritizing academic contributions.

Further into the discussion, Mr. Pacana reached out to Captain Ko to explore the possibility of advancing a proposal related to Agrovoltaics in collaboration with potential Korean companies. Mr. Vergilino of DENR PENRO weighed in by stressing the necessity of policy formulation to ensure compliance with any forthcoming policy changes.

Hence, the roundtable discussion covered the proposed establishment/registration of AgreenergI as a non-stock non-profit organization, strengthening academe-local government collaboration on renewable energy research, community organizing, youth empowerment, and policy formulation to support ongoing initiatives. Ms. Aina Mauyag, Agropolis Secretariat, ended the round table discussion with the presentation of Probable Schedules for the AgreenergI Consortium Meeting for the remainder of 2025. 

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders and partners, including representatives from LGU Claveria, USTP Claveria Administration, USTP S&T Parks Management, USTP Power Institute, CEED Philippines, PMCJ, Korean Freedom Federation, and DENR PENRO.