San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza led the blessing and ceremonial lights-on of renewable energy facilities on Matabas Island in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, marking the formal operation of a solar-powered system that will provide electricity and potable water to the off-grid community on Saturday, June 20.
The activity, dubbed “Kapawa: Blessing and Ceremonial Lights-On of the Renewable Energy Facilities,” gathered residents, project partners, local officials, and stakeholders on the island.
The renewable energy facilities power a solar-driven water desalination system, community charging stations, streetlights, and lighting systems for the island chapel and educational facilities.
Alminaza, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration and blessing, said the project provides not only electricity but also hope for the community.
“It is important that they are empowered in terms of electricity, but it is also equally important that they have hope. Many things can also come out because of this,” the bishop said.
For years, residents of Matabas Island have faced challenges in accessing reliable electricity and potable water.
During periods of drought and El Niño, many families depended on water transported from the mainland.
The facilities form part of the REPower Matabas Project implemented by the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment (NICE) with support from the Honnold Foundation.
Project proponents said the initiative seeks to demonstrate how renewable energy can help geographically isolated communities address challenges related to water access, energy security, and climate resilience.*
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