By CESAR JOLITO III
Residents of Matabas Island at Barangay Molocaboc in Negros Occidental’s Sagay City now have improved access to renewable energy and safe drinking water following the formal commissioning of a REPower Matabas Project on Monday, June 8, coinciding with the celebration of World Ocean Day.
The initiative introduced a 25-kilowatt solar power facility and a solar-powered water desalination system, addressing long-standing challenges faced by the island’s off-grid community, which for generations depended on limited and expensive sources of electricity while struggling to secure potable water.
The project features a 12-kilowatt hybrid solar system that powers the desalination facility, an eight-kilowatt hybrid solar rooftop system for the local school, and a five-kilowatt solar installation for the island church. It also includes battery energy storage, 70 solar-powered streetlights, and community charging stations designed to improve daily life for residents.
According to Joshua Villalobos, secretary-general of the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment, the project was developed based on the needs identified by the community itself, emphasizing that local residents played a key role in shaping the initiative.
Villalobos noted that Matabas Island remains outside the electrification coverage of the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative, making renewable energy solutions crucial for the community’s development and climate resilience.
Beyond providing reliable electricity, the project is expected to improve access to clean drinking water, reduce household energy costs, strengthen public safety through solar-powered streetlights, and support education and community activities with a stable power supply.
Former Negros Occidental Governor Rafael “Lito” Coscolluela, now serving as provincial consultant for environment and energy, described the project as part of the province’s broader push toward renewable energy, expressing hope that Matabas could serve as a model for similar community-based initiatives in other remote areas.
Negros Occidental 2nd District Representative Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III said the availability of dependable water and electricity has long been a dream for the island’s residents, thanking project partners, local officials and land donors who contributed to making the desalination facility a reality.
Meanwhile, Board Member Arthur Christopher Marañon emphasized the importance of sustaining and maintaining the project, saying its long-term success could inspire similar renewable energy programs across Negros Occidental and the rest of the country.
Representing Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” Cueva, Executive Assistant Vincent Rivera said the city government welcomes initiatives that directly improve the quality of life of island communities and pledged continued support for programs benefiting Matabas residents./CCJ, WDJ