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Editor’s Note: Mark Gil Nuguit serves as ICSC’s RE-Charge Pilipinas Innovations Officer, based in the organization’s regional office in Tacloban City, Leyte. I was fortunate to be part of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) five-person Team that facilitated the Solar Scholars Training in Nadi, Fiji, last May, to teach 14 community leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu how to assemble, install, and maintain community solar photovoltaic systems (CSPVS).

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, July 8, 2026 — The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), in partnership with the Municipality of Alangalang, Leyte, conducted the Renewable Energy (RE) Roadmap Scoping Workshop from June 22 to 25. This positions Alangalang as the first local government unit (LGU) in the province to develop a roadmap aimed at strengthening local energy security and accelerating RE transition. The four-day workshop also marks the start of Alangalang’s long-term energy planning.

Across Seas, Under the same sun By Sophia Kaye Fernandez “I am happy.” This was what the community leaders told me when I asked them about the installation of the solar PV systems in Fiji. At first, I wanted something else: A tearful story. A life-changing testimony. A quote that can perfectly translate how renewable energy can help a community, something that I can easily write about that would leave a lasting impression.

by Micaella Lou-Andrea Garduce Editor’s Note: Ella currently serves as the Senior Urban Transition Analyst under ICSC’s Urban Development Team. Throughout the implementation of the Urban Act project, I have repeatedly listened to presentations on climate change, the risks it poses, and its projected impacts on communities. For example, Tagbilaran City, Bohol faces climate-related threats such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, and increasing temperatures.

QUEZON CITY, July 3, 2026 — Average household electricity rates increased by 9% in June, bringing prices closer to levels last seen during the 2023 global energy crisis. Retail rates increased even as transmission charges declined and temporary regulatory measures were put in place to ease consumer costs.

By Glinly Alvero Editor’s Note: Glin currently serves as ICSC’s RE-Charge Pilipinas Senior Innovations Officer, based in ICSC’s regional office in Tacloban City, Leyte. With increasing risks and impacts from the changing climate, there are communities that are far more vulnerable than others, and they’re the ones who are affected immediately, with impacts on their livelihoods and lives.

Following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) held a coordination meeting in Makati City on June 22 to discuss the development of project proposals under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) pipeline.

CATARMAN, NORTHERN SAMAR, June 28, 2026 —  Following the initial workshop in April that identified renewable energy (RE) development opportunities, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar took a significant step towards energy transition during the second phase of crafting the Renewable Energy Roadmap in a Multistakeholder Consultation held June 17 to 18, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol in Catarman.

By Amber Garma Editor’s Note: Amber is currently the Urban Mobility Campaigns Officer under ICSC’s Urban Development Team. When I moved to Metro Manila at the age of 16 to study, I felt like any other probinsyana would – overwhelmed, lost, and unsure about whether I could ever call it ‘home’.

By: Eve Riou Editor’s Note: Eve recently completed her internship with ICSC’s RE-Charge Pilipinas team, where she was based in the organization’s regional office in Tacloban City, Leyte.