Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro presented the province's long-term energy roadmap on Friday, April 24, 2026. The announcement included plans to expand renewable energy, revive the Alegria Oil Field, and launch electric buses as part of Cebu's push for energy security and sustainable development.
Addressing Growing Energy Demand
Speaking at the Power Forward Visayas forum at Seda Central Bloc Cebu, Baricuatro said the province is preparing for increasing electricity demand. To this end, a 150-megawatt peak solar power project with Acciona Energia Philippines has been initiated, along with the drafting of the Provincial Energy Master Plan.
"Energy is not just a sector. It is the backbone of everything we want to achieve from healthcare to education, to industry, to tourism. Because without reliable power, progress cannot move forward," Baricuatro stated.
The governor explained that while Cebu's economy is growing rapidly, energy demand is rising by an estimated 150 megawatts annually, and the province still relies heavily on electricity from outside Cebu.
Key Energy Projects
To address this, the provincial government has partnered with Acciona Energia Philippines for an additional 150-MWp solar power plant, with construction targeted to start this year. Simultaneously, the province has initiated the revival of the Alegria Oil Field, the country's first onshore oil field, to help supply oil amid the ongoing energy crisis.
Baricuatro noted that these efforts are part of the broader "Ato ang Sugbo" development vision for 2025 to 2035. The goal is to make Cebu a center of culture, tourism, education, and industry through climate-smart infrastructure.
The province also aims to align with the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050, which targets increasing the share of renewable energy to 40 percent by 2030 and over 50 percent by 2040.
Electric Bus Initiative
Beyond power generation, Baricuatro announced plans to deploy 100 electric buses in Metro Cebu, component cities, and islands such as Bantayan and Camotes, in partnership with Global Electric Transport Philippines, with support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Transportation. This initiative is expected to improve mobility, reduce fares, boost tourism, and minimize environmental damage.
Baricuatro concluded by stating that the energy projects are designed to steer Cebu away from "short-term" or makeshift solutions and focus on a robust system for the future of every Cebuano.
