By Mikee Natinga Norico
Representing Central Philippine University, Dr. Mary O’ Penetrante (4th from left), a faculty member of the CPU College of Business and Accountancy, joins other speakers in a group photo following the presentation of certificates for their contributions to the Women in Green Entrepreneurship session.
In partnership with the Center for Empowerment, Innovation, and Training on Renewable Energy (CentRE) and the Iloilo Provincial Government, Central Philippine University (CPU) strengthened its commitment to sustainable development and inclusive innovation during the 8th Renewable Energy Congress held on December 11–12, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center. The two-day congress gathered more than 200 leaders, policymakers, industry experts, academics, and youth advocates from across the country and abroad to discuss pathways toward clean, reliable, and inclusive energy systems. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and collaboration in advancing the Philippines’ renewable energy agenda.
The opening day was graced by Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, along with distinguished local and international officials, including Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium; Mr. Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor of the Embassy of the United Kingdom; Mr. Kairos Dela Cruz, Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC); Engr. Erel Narida of the Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines; Ms. Paramita Mohanty, Program Manager for the Renewable Energy Finance Unit of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); and Iloilo Province Fourth District Board Member and Renewable Energy Champion Rolando Distura. Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Banias represented Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr.
A major highlight of Day 1 was the launch and symbolic signing of the Iloilo Declaration for 5R 4 JET—Renewable, Resilience, Reliability, Resource Efficiency, and Responsibility for a Just Energy Transition. The declaration underscored a whole-of-nation and multi-sectoral commitment to ensuring that the transition to renewable energy is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
Day 2 featured a series of in-depth discussions and panel sessions addressing critical areas in the renewable energy sector. These included deep-dive sessions on green workforce capacity building and green jobs creation; women in green entrepreneurship and financial management; and the role of artificial intelligence and open-access mapping tools in renewable energy development. Panel discussions focused on strengthening grid operations and renewable energy integration, financing the future through accessible and inclusive investments, and advancing innovations and partnerships for distributed and community-based energy systems. The day also saw the announcement of new renewable energy initiatives and partnerships.
Representing Central Philippine University, Dr. Mary O’Penetrante, a faculty member of the CPU College of Business and Accountancy, served as a speaker during the Women in Green Entrepreneurship session. Her presentation deepened participants’ understanding of green entrepreneurship and its growing importance by linking renewable energy to women-led income-generating projects, exploring the values and mindset of successful green entrepreneurs, and identifying barriers faced by women while proposing practical strategies to overcome them. Her participation highlighted CPU’s active role in promoting gender-inclusive approaches to renewable energy and sustainable business development.
The congress culminated with Day 3 activities on December 13, 2025, hosted at Central Philippine University. Post-congress trainings and ceremonies included a technical seminar on small-scale wind energy systems covering design, installation, and maintenance; the Renewable Energy Academy Graduation Ceremony recognizing graduates of renewable energy training programs; and a comprehensive training for women on renewable energy technologies, low-carbon solutions, and entrepreneurship.
Through its partnership and active participation in the 8th Renewable Energy Congress, Central Philippine University reaffirmed its role as a key academic institution supporting renewable energy education, research, and community engagement—contributing to a just and sustainable energy future for Iloilo, the region, and the country.