Laguna is rapidly positioning itself as a major hub for renewable energy (RE) development in Luzon, with projects that go far beyond bridging supply gaps or satisfying climate-related commitments.

What is unfolding in the province is a robust, multi-sector energy transformation backed by significant private investments and proactive government support.

A broad portfolio of RE projects —hydro, solar, wind and geothermal — is now in various stages of development, construction, and commissioning.

Once fully operational, these initiatives are expected to deliver more than 1-gigawatt of clean power to the national grid, substantially advancing the country’s energy security and sustainability goals.

One of the more ambitious undertakings is the plan to develop RE installations across 2,000 hectares in Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, Calamba, Victoria and Bay.

In partnership with companies such as Blueleaf Energy Philippines, the government aims to generate at least 2.5-gigawatts of energy for the Luzon grid — an unprecedented scale for the region.

At Caliraya Lake, a 250-megawatt floating solar facility is under construction, complementing an ongoing hydro modernization program. The project, which began in late 2024, is slated for commercial operation in early 2026, demonstrating a firm push to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels.

Private sector players are driving further expansion. ACEN is developing several floating solar installations, including a 140-megawatt (MW) project in Sta. Cruz and the 280-MW GigaWind1 project spanning Kalayaan and Paete.

Meanwhile, Blue Circle and ACCIONA Energía are set to contribute 100.8-MW of wind power under the first phase of the larger 350-MW Kalayaan wind development, expected to begin supplying energy as early as 2026.

Hydropower will be a major pillar of Laguna’s RE ecosystem. More than 2,000 megawatts of hydropower capacity are projected to come online from a pumped-storage facility in Pakil and a separate hydro project in Caliraya. These facilities are designed not merely as backup sources, but as steady, dependable generators capable of powering entire communities with virtually zero carbon emissions.

The Pakil pumped-storage project, in particular, has the potential to become a landmark in the global renewable energy landscape. Given its scale and reliability, it could offset the output of multiple coal-fired power plants, offering a model for large-scale decarbonization. Expected to be operational within five years, the project underscores the country’s growing ability to integrate advanced clean-energy technologies.

The economic ripple effects of these developments are already being felt. Jobs creation tied to the ongoing construction has stimulated local business activity and generated new livelihood opportunities in surrounding communities.

However, the path toward a greener energy future is not without obstacles. Some advocacy groups have raised concerns about the projects, often without fully engaging with technical studies or the long-term benefits of RE infrastructure.

Investors and developers have responded by opening channels for dialogue and ensuring transparency in project planning and execution.

Despite the noise, the momentum in Laguna is unmistakable. With multiple large-scale RE ventures moving forward, the province is poised to make a decisive contribution to national clean-energy targets.

More importantly, Laguna offers a compelling vision of a future where the Philippines can reduce, and eventually eliminate, its dependence on coal and other fossil fuels.

The RE landscape taking shape in Laguna demonstrates that the shift to cleaner power has ceased to be aspirational as it is already underway.

A Quezon City Fire Marshal was initially set to be relieved of his post for allegedly organizing a Christmas party at the expense of his fire inspectors (FI), who had their P1,500 monthly allowance withheld to finance the festivities.

This came after Scuttlebutt exposed his scheme, which quickly reached the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) hierarchy. The Metro Manila fire chief was ordered to launch a probe, and an administrative order removing F/Supt. Rodrigo Reyes was drafted and was about to be served.

However, a Department of the Interior and Local Government undersecretary reportedly told BFP officials to “hold their horses,” claiming that Reyes had a solid highly-placed backer.

The order was shelved and Reyes continues to enjoy his post.

The story first saw print after Nosy Tarsee got a tip that Reyes had issued a verbal directive to the fire department’s finance team not to release the P1,500 monthly allowance due each FI this month, diverting the funds instead to the department’s Christmas celebration.

With more than 200 FIs in the department, inspectors said this meant they would literally be paying for the party.

Several of them approached Daily Tribune to expose what they described as a scheme devised by Reyes.

The inspectors added that they were already struggling to appease clients applying for Fire Safety Inspection Certificates, alleging that Reyes had imposed an unofficial policy requiring “grease money” before he would sign any FSICs.

The certificate is a mandatory requirement for establishments applying for new or renewed building permits.