Evaluating energy access in the Philippines

Our ambitious itinerary covered seven ASEP sub-projects across the three major regions of the Philippines. We had a first week of meetings in the capital, including sightseeing with NIRAS Manila colleagues. After two flights and trips by ferry, car and traditional Filipino boats, we kicked off the fieldwork in Kanihaan Island, located in the Dinagat Islands. We went through round-shaped islands covered by forest emerging from the sea and arrived in what looked like paradise, but the islands’ natural beauty could not hide the fact that its energy system was not functioning. The Barangay Council was really helpful in uncovering the reasons for failures and successes, which provided useful information for our evaluation. When the visit was finished, they treated us with fresh coconut water straight from the tree!

Next, we visited Cab-ilan Island, another stunning location surrounded by sandbanks and starfish. “People are richer in this island,” my colleague Frank observed, which made me notice signs of better access to electricity, including privately-owned solar panels and loud music from a karaoke. While departing after sunset, our boat engine failed, making the trip twice as long in total darkness. I feared for our safety – what if we get stuck in the middle of the sea? Luckily, we managed to arrive safely ashore.

At the hotel, the owner advised us to check out and leave first thing tomorrow in the morning: Typhoon Pepito was passing north of Dinagat Islands, making landfall in another region, but bringing heavy rain and wind where we were. Our plan was to take a boat later in the day to catch our flight, but we would risk getting stuck on the island if the harbour decided to close due to the weather. Following his advice, we took the 6am ferry and flew safely to Davao on the other side of Mindanao, which doesn’t usually get hit by typhoons.

There, we met an inspiring local non-government organisation (NGO), YAMOG, which builds micro-hydropower plants in off-grid areas. Visiting one of the benefitted “sitios” (enclaves that are a part of a barangay, an administrative unit in the Philippines) involved driving off-road and crossing a creek seven times. It was the first time this Indigenous community had received foreigners, and even the Army escorted us there, showing how much the barangay valued our safety. The community welcomed us warmly, showing the micro-hydro system and sharing their gratitude. The entire village gathered for a special ceremony, with speeches, traditional dances and delicious snacks. We were seated on the stage, and the name of our evaluation was printed in a banner behind us. Later on, I noticed another banner at the entrance of the village with our full names on it! 

Our journey continued to Kidapawan in Cotabato. We met with the local electric cooperative, which had installed solar home systems in off-grid communities. Interviewing a woman running a small grocery shop, I learned that manufacturing barbecue sticks from bamboo trees was a popular secondary economic activity. Later that evening, the cooperative staff treated us to the best barbecue in town. They also shared local delicacies, such as balut — a close-to-hatching duck boiled egg! My colleague Philip ate it, and I could barely watch. Between talking and eating with our fingers after long days of work, connecting with local people made me feel at home despite being so far from it.

Travelling through the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Polomolok, General Santos, we faced challenges locating our meeting site amid beautiful pineapple plantations. The meeting included staff from a local NGO and two electric cooperatives, and amid presentations and questions, we shared a delicious lunch. The local NGO facilitated our visits to remote areas of Sultan Kudarat and Maasim, including meetings with coffee-producing associations predominantly run by women. These associations benefited from solar panels and coffee-processing equipment, improving their operations. I had very open and interesting discussions with the women: we all laughed when they said that they support their families with their work but also avoid being at home “delivering babies”.

After a short overnight in Manila, we headed to Calbayog, Samar. The solar power plants under construction in two electric cooperatives marked a less hectic phase of our trip. In Cebu, we met with a university and a foundation for different projects. In Bohol, we took boats again to visit islands with solar-powered schools and a female-led bakery established through ASEP.

Throughout the mission, Filipino hospitality, delicious food and heartfelt interactions with locals enriched my experience. Despite some risks and challenges, witnessing first-hand the impact of energy access in remote areas was profoundly rewarding. This evaluation mission also allowed me to reconnect with my core purpose: listening to and translating the experiences of people on the ground to donors and clients whose support can truly change lives.

The Philippines left a lasting impression – not only for the power of renewable energy to uplift communities, but also for the resilience and warmth of its people. Missions like this are a powerful reminder that real impact begins with humility, cultural respect and a commitment to putting communities at the centre of every solution.