Citicore Renewables gives solar panels a second life, empowering local trade in Batangas

TUY, BATANGAS — Citicore Foundation formally handed over the newly constructed Lumbangan Talipapa market in Tuy, Batangas, to Barangay Lumbangan laying the foundation for a vibrant, community-led enterprise.

Driven by Citicore Renewables’ focus on circular economy and sustainability, the market facility was built using upcycled solar panels through EcoLoop — an initiative that repurposes retired panels into sturdy roofs and stall tables, giving end-of-life solar materials a second purpose. EcoLoop reduces waste while creating practical, long-lasting infrastructure for host communities.

Under a barangay-managed rotational system, local vendors rent stalls to sell fresh produce — including livestock, poultry, fruits, and vegetables — with all rental proceeds going directly into a dedicated fund for the markets’s upkeep and long-term operations.

Lumbangan Barangay Captain Edralin Camilon highlighted the market's practical impact on local families: "Nandito sa amin ang murang gulay, karne, isda, ang kailangan lang eh kung saan ibebenta. Kaya itong market na ibinigay ng Citicore, malaking tulong ito sa mga kabarangay ko na nangangailangan ng trabaho."

Completing anecosystem that connects clean energy generation, sustainable agriculture, and community-led enterprise, the talipapa market will also serve as one of the retail outlets for crops harvested from Citicore’s Agrosolar initiative. Agrosolar is the company’s project which maximizes the land for solar by directly planting crops in between the solar panels at Citicore’s Batangas Solar project, situated also in Tuy.

"The turnover of the Lumbangan market represents the full circle of our agrivoltaics approach," said Citicore Renewables’ President and CEO Oliver Tan. "By establishing a direct bridge from our Agrosolar harvests to a local retail center, we are not only generating clean energy and nurturing crops under solar panels, but also empowering host communities with sustainable commercial infrastructure and long-term economic independence"

Local Agrosolar farmers in Batangas Solar Plant received official Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification from the government. This national certification validates that their produce meets stringent food safety standards, unlocking reliable commercial market access.

Local farmer Catherine Galochilo shared what GAP certification means for their harvest: "Malaking bagay po na nakapasa kami sa GAP kasi ibig sabihin nasa standard na po ang pagtatanim at napo-produce naming crops. Sa paraang iyon, alam na ligtas ito para sa consumers."

To further boost productivity, Citicore provided specialized farm machinery to reduce labor-intensive work and help sustain crop yields through changing seasonal weather.

Fellow farmer Rea Macalindong added how modern equipment has transformed their daily field work: "Napakalaking tulong po sa amin. Dati, mano-mano at mahirap talaga, lalo na kapag umuulan, pero dahil sa mga suporta at makinarya mula sa Citicore, mas maalwan na po ang pagtatrabaho namin ngayon."

From solar panel to market stall, Citicore Renewables reinforces a complete ecosystem that connects clean energy generation, agrivoltaic farming, and local commerce. By integrating dual-use land development with community-driven market infrastructure, Citicore continues to deliver lasting value to host communities — proving that clean power and rural economic growth advance best together.

Barangay Captain Edralin Camilon said the facility would provide residents with a place to sell locally produced vegetables, meat, fish and other goods while creating livelihood opportunities.

The market will also serve as a retail outlet for crops harvested under Citicore's Agrosolar program, which integrates farming with solar energy production.

Through the initiative, farmers cultivate crops between solar panels at the company's Batangas solar facility, allowing the land to support both electricity generation and agriculture.

“The turnover of the Lumbangan market represents the full circle of our agrivoltaics approach,” said Citicore Renewables president and CEO Oliver Tan.

“By establishing a direct bridge from our Agrosolar harvests to a local retail center, we are not only generating clean energy and nurturing crops under solar panels, but also empowering host communities with sustainable commercial infrastructure and long-term economic independence,” he added.

Citicore said participating farmers also secured government Good Agricultural Practices certification, recognizing their compliance with agricultural production and food safety standards.

The company provided additional farm equipment to help growers reduce manual labor and maintain productivity during changing weather conditions.

Citicore said the project forms part of its efforts to connect renewable energy development with agricultural production and community livelihoods.