The Co-operative College of the Philippines successfully concluded its inaugural “Powering Cooperatives: Driving Sustainable Growth through Renewable Energy” Study Tour / Lakbay Aral, marking a significant milestone in advancing renewable energy education within the Philippine cooperative sector.
As the College’s first learning immersion dedicated to renewable energy, the two-day program brought together 23 participants from 12 cooperatives across various regions of the Philippines for a unique blend of classroom learning and experiential exposure. More than introducing renewable energy technologies, the program was designed to help cooperatives understand how sustainable energy solutions can strengthen organizational resilience, improve operational efficiency, and create lasting value for both their members and the communities they serve.
The program opened with an intensive learning session that provided participants with a strong foundation on renewable energy and its growing relevance to cooperatives. Mr. Renan P. Diaz, Chief Executive Officer of the Renewable Energy Cooperative Federation of the Philippines (RECoop), led discussions on “The Role of Cooperatives in the Energy Transition” and “How to Start: From Idea to Implementation,” demonstrating how cooperatives can actively participate in the country’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.
Complementing these sessions, Engr. Ludwig O. Federigan, Executive Director of the Young Environmental Forum (YEF), presented “Navigating the Energy Landscape: Policies, Incentives & Coop Opportunities” and “From Cost Center to Value Creator: The Business Case for Renewable Energy.” His discussions equipped participants with practical knowledge on the country’s evolving energy landscape, available policy incentives, and the strategic business value that renewable energy can bring to cooperative enterprises.
To enrich the classroom discussions, participants also visited GLEDCO (Government of Laoag Employees Development Cooperative), where they gained valuable insights into cooperative innovation and sustainable organizational practices. The visit encouraged meaningful exchanges among participants while showcasing how cooperatives continue to adapt and innovate in response to emerging opportunities.
Building on these learnings, the second day of the program brought participants to two of Northern Luzon’s most prominent renewable energy facilities—the Burgos Wind Farm and the ACEN Pagudpud Wind Farm. Through guided institutional visits, participants witnessed firsthand how large-scale wind energy projects are planned, operated, and maintained, providing a deeper appreciation of the technologies and partnerships that make clean energy possible.
Experiencing these facilities firsthand allowed participants to connect concepts learned during the information sessions with actual renewable energy operations. More importantly, the visits encouraged cooperative leaders to envision how renewable energy initiatives can be explored, adopted, or supported within their own organizations—whether through operational improvements, strategic partnerships, or future investments that contribute to long-term sustainability.
Beyond the technical knowledge gained, the program fostered meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among cooperative leaders from different regions. Participants actively shared experiences, explored common challenges, and discussed opportunities for integrating renewable energy into their respective cooperatives. The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated throughout the two-day immersion reflected the growing interest of the cooperative sector in pursuing sustainable and future-ready solutions.
As the Co-operative College of the Philippines continues to expand its learning programs, this pioneering Renewable Energy Study Tour / Lakbay Aral stands as a testament to the College’s commitment to equipping cooperatives with relevant, practical, and forward-looking education. By combining expert-led discussions with firsthand field exposure, the program empowered participants not only to understand renewable energy but also to recognize its potential as a catalyst for stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable cooperatives.
The overwhelming participation and positive reception of this inaugural program affirm the increasing readiness of cooperatives to embrace innovation while remaining grounded in their mission of serving members and uplifting communities. As the cooperative movement continues to evolve, initiatives such as this Study Tour demonstrate that learning, collaboration, and shared experience remain among the sector’s greatest strengths in building a more sustainable future.
Participating Cooperatives:
Bukidnon Government Employees Multipurpose Cooperative
Sta. Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative
St. Martin of Tours Cooperative
Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology National Multipurpose Cooperative
Perpetual Help Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PHCCI-MPC Tacloban)
Bansalan Multipurpose Cooperative (Bansalan Coop)
Oro Integrated Cooperative
Barangka Credit Cooperative
Metro Ormoc Community Credit Cooperative, Inc. (OCCCI)
GLEDCO Multipurpose Cooperative