More than 30,000 residents in 14 overlooked barangays in Palawan will have 24/7 electricity through a ₱800-million renewable energy project supported by Landbank.
Landbank said Tuesday that its support will enable Archipelago Renewables Corporation (ARC) to construct 16 off-grid hybrid renewable energy microgrids and 175 kilometers of distribution lines inside the franchise area of the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO).
Through the implementation of the project, it is anticipated that approximately 7,100 families, more than 300 small enterprises, as well as schools, health clinics, and other community facilities will receive energy.
The hybrid systems will include solar photovoltaic technology, battery energy storage and diesel backup to deliver consistent and reliable electricity to isolated communities that have long experienced erratic power supplies.
Landbank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, WEnergy Global CEO Atem S. Ramsundersingh, ARC President Quintin Jose V. Pastrana, Maharlika Clean Power Holdings Corporation Treasurer Jose Antonio Gozun, Department of Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, and Netherlands Ambassador Marielle Geraedts attended a signing ceremony on June 22 at the Landbank Plaza in Manila to formalize the financing agreement.
ARC is a firm dedicated to developing and operating renewable and hybrid energy solutions.
It is backed by a consortium composed of Maharlika Clean Power Holdings Corporation, CleanGrid Partners Pte. Ltd., and WEnergy Global Pte. Ltd.
Landbank President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz said the project is intended to bring opportunities to communities that remain underserved by the power grid.
“This initiative goes beyond building infrastructure; it powers opportunity. By combining clean solar energy with innovative financing, we are strengthening communities, supporting local enterprises, and accelerating inclusive growth in underserved areas. This is how we move forward, sustainably and responsibly,” Ortiz said.
Atem S. Ramsundersingh, WEnergy Global chief executive officer, said the cooperation is about improving the lives of families, students and entrepreneurs by delivering stable electricity.
“This partnership is about turning finance into economic and social impact, so a shopkeeper can keep her doors open longer, a child can study after sunset, and communities can move from darkness to opportunity,” he said.
Ramsundersingh stated that they are thankful to Landbank for “going to the ground, seeing the impact firsthand, and joining us in the hard work of rural electrification and keeping development financing meaningful.”
ARC President Quintin Jose V. Pastrana said the Palawan project marks the start of what he described as the country’s largest private-sector investment in off-grid electrification.
Pastrana said the Palawan project is the first phase of a broader effort to expand hybrid renewable energy systems in off-grid communities, with similar developments also planned in Quezon and Cebu.
“We are proud to build and expand this robust foundation with Landbank, one that represents the largest private sector venture in off-grid electrification, beginning with our host communities in Palawan, Quezon, and Cebu,” Pastrana said.
Netherlands Ambassador Marielle Geraedts said the project also showcases Dutch expertise in off-grid renewable energy.
“WEnergy Global taps into the Dutch knowledge infrastructure to bring the best of design to work for the off-grid communities. The company is a two-time award winner of the Dr. Albert Winsemius Award in Singapore for its planning and design work of off-grid electrification in the Philippines,” Geraedts said.
Project proponents said the ARC’s microgrid portfolio has been recognized as an energy project of national significance as it supports efforts to expand electricity access in underserved communities while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based power generation through renewable energy.
Through the financing, Landbank said it continues to support infrastructure projects that promote sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth across the country.
