RE SORT Initiative: NOCCI and DOE Lead Solar Shift in Siquijor

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) joined the Department of Energy (DOE) in its Business-to-Business (B2B) Matching Session in Siquijor, showcasing the Expanded Rooftop Program aimed at accelerating solar energy adoption across the island. The initiative encourages electricity end-users—particularly in the rapidly growing tourism and commercial sectors—to utilize rooftop-mounted solar PV systems to enhance energy reliability and reduce dependence on diesel power.

DOE Undersecretary Mylene C. Capongcol also introduced the RE SORT concept, a renewable-energy solution designed to help establishments generate their own power, optimize consumption, and potentially sell excess energy back to the grid.

NOCCI participated alongside key organizations including PROSIELCO, the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA). The chamber affirmed its support for expanding clean energy adoption, recognizing the program as a strategic step toward improving sustainability and long-term energy security in the region.

RE SORT Initiative: NOCCI and DOE Lead Solar Shift in Siquijor

Driving Renewable Transformation in Central Visayas

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) joined the Department of Energy (DOE) in a major Business-to-Business (B2B) Matching Session in Siquijor, highlighting the Expanded Rooftop Program—a pivotal initiative to fast-track the adoption of solar energy across the island.

This collaborative effort aims to build a future powered by renewable resources. With Siquijor’s tourism and commercial industries rapidly expanding, energy reliability has become essential. The program encourages electricity end-users to install rooftop-mounted solar PV systems, reducing dependence on diesel power while strengthening local energy sustainability.

The DOE’s vision was reinforced through the RE SORT framework—an innovative renewable-energy model that represents a new era of self-sufficiency, energy optimization, and sustainable business growth.

The Expanded Rooftop Program: Building Energy Independence

Unlocking Solar Potential for Local Enterprises

The Expanded Rooftop Program focuses on empowering businesses and homeowners to generate clean energy from their own rooftops. By leveraging solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, participants can lower electricity costs, boost power reliability, and cut carbon emissions—critical benefits for an island economy reliant on imported fuel.

For Siquijor’s booming tourism sector, solar adoption means aligning operational efficiency with eco-friendly practices. Resorts, cafes, and dive operators stand to gain from lower energy costs and a stronger environmental image, which enhances their appeal to global travelers seeking sustainable destinations.

The RE SORT mindset embodies this transformation—encouraging renewable energy solutions that balance profitability with long-term environmental responsibility.

DOE’s RE SORT Concept: Redefining Energy for Resorts and Businesses

Renewable Energy for Sustainable Tourism

DOE Undersecretary Mylene C. Capongcol introduced the RE SORT concept (Renewable Energy for Sustainable Operations in Resorts and Tourism), an integrated energy management framework designed for the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Under this model, establishments are empowered to generate their own renewable power, optimize energy consumption, and even sell excess electricity back to the grid. This approach directly addresses the high energy demands of resorts and commercial operations that often rely on diesel generators during brownouts or peak usage hours.

The RE SORT framework is more than a technical program—it’s a strategic solution for energy independence. By embracing it, businesses can achieve cost stability, operational resilience, and environmental compliance, ensuring that tourism growth supports sustainability rather than strains it.

Collaborative Effort: Strength in Partnerships

Industry and Government United for Clean Energy

The B2B Matching Session brought together key players in the energy and business sectors, including:

• Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI)
• Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)
• PROSIELCO (Siquijor Electric Cooperative)
• Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA)

This collaboration creates a unified platform for accelerating renewable energy investment, providing access to technical guidance, policy support, and funding opportunities. The joint advocacy reinforces a shared goal—achieving energy sustainability through the RE SORT framework.

Each participating organization plays a vital role in driving education, capacity-building, and awareness campaigns to help businesses understand the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy adoption.

Economic and Environmental Impact on Siquijor

Sustainable Power for a Thriving Tourism Economy

The transition to solar rooftop systems offers Siquijor multiple long-term benefits. Local establishments can reduce their energy expenditures, improve power reliability, and contribute to the province’s growing reputation as a sustainable tourism hub.

Key outcomes of adopting the RE SORT model include:

• Reduced reliance on fossil fuels and imported diesel
• Lower operational costs for energy-intensive businesses
• Job creation in renewable installation and maintenance sectors
• Enhanced reputation for eco-tourism and sustainability

For visitors and investors, Siquijor’s clean energy transformation positions the island as a regional benchmark for renewable-powered tourism—a tangible demonstration of how the RE SORT initiative aligns economic growth with environmental preservation.

NOCCI’s Role in Renewable Advocacy

Leading Local Businesses Toward a Cleaner Future

NOCCI’s participation in the DOE’s solar initiative underscores its mission to support sustainable business innovation in the region. The chamber recognizes that clean energy adoption is not only an environmental imperative but also a strategic investment for competitiveness and resilience.

By partnering with local industries, NOCCI aims to facilitate renewable transitions through:

• Information sessions and training on energy efficiency
• Business linkages between solar providers and enterprises
• Policy advocacy for renewable incentives and support programs

With the RE SORT initiative as a guiding vision, NOCCI continues to champion the integration of renewable solutions across the Central Visayas business landscape—driving both energy transformation and inclusive economic growth.

A Blueprint for Renewable Progress

The success of Siquijor’s solar initiatives demonstrates that renewable energy is a practical path toward economic stability and environmental integrity. The Expanded Rooftop Program and RE SORT concept together provide a replicable model for other island provinces seeking to strengthen their energy independence.

By embracing RE SORT as a mindset, Siquijor and its neighboring provinces set the foundation for a cleaner, brighter, and more resilient energy future—where innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment move forward hand in hand.