HANDPHIL Enertex, a technological and scientific innovator in the renewable energy sector, has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Lubang Electric Cooperative (Lubelco) in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, on Jan. 29, 2026.
HandPhil Enertex President and CEO William Teoh signed the MOA with Lubelco, represented by Board of Directors Chairman Natividad Viana in a ceremony graced by Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo Bacordo as keynote speaker.
Witnessing the milestone event were Municipality of Lubang Mayor Michael Lim Orayani, Municipality of Looc Mayor Marlon Dela Torre, Lubelco Acting General Manager Precila Balibay, members of Lubelco board of directors and management, representatives of National Power Corp., councilors and barangay officials from both municipalities as well as residents of the two towns of Lubang Island.
In his speech, Teoh said he was honored to represent the HandPhil Group in this significant partnership.
“This MOA represents more than a formal agreement; it reflects a shared commitment among the government, the local community and the private sector to deliver a more reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future for Lubang Island,” he said.
“This project marks Phase 1 of HandPhil’s collaboration with Lubelco: a 1-megawatt embedded solar PV (photovoltaic) project integrated with a battery energy storage system. This phase lays the groundwork for future expansion, with the long-term objective of a gradual transition away from diesel-based generation,” Teoh explained.
“Under the current system, electricity generation in Lubang Island relies heavily on diesel fuel and government subsidies. As solar PV is progressively introduced, this project will reduce dependence on imported fuel, lower generation costs over time, and contribute to a more stable, affordable and environmentally sustainable electricity for the community,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Bacordo said that the Philippines is currently at the heart of one of the most ambitious energy transitions in Southeast Asia.
“The Department of Energy is steering the nation toward a critical target of increasing the share of renewable energy in power generation to 35 percent by 2030,” the DOE official said, emphasizing hybridization.
He noted that HandPhil’s project collects energy from the sun both front and back of the solar panels which adds 25 percent to power generation.
“This project sets a new benchmark by showing us what a modern smart island is doing for its constituents,” he said, lauding the leadership of the municipality as a model of innovation for the rest of the nation.
Battery energy storage system
Teoh also explained that the key feature of this project is the battery energy storage system or BESS, which will support peak demand, enhance grid stability, and ensure reliable power supply-making renewable energy not only clean, but dependable for island communities such as Lubang Island.
Also called battery storage power station or battery grid storage, BESS is a type of energy storage technology that uses a group of batteries in the grid to store electrical energy.
It is the fastest responding dispatchable source of power on electric grids and used to stabilize those grids, as battery storage can transition from standby to full power in less than a second to deal with grid contingencies.
These are often installed at, or close to, other active or disused power stations and may share the same grid connection to reduce costs.
“This initiative aligns with the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, particularly in advancing renewable energy deployment in missionary and island areas. It strengthens local energy security while supporting national sustainability goals,” he said.
HandPhil will undertake the development, financing, construction and long-term operation of this project, in close coordination with Lubelco, DOE and relevant authorities.
He told The Manila Times that full operations will start in eight months.
“For us, this is not merely a commercial project. It is a long-term partnership and a shared responsibility with the community we serve,” the HandPhil Enertex president and CEO asserted, adding they believe in a Clear Sustainable Energy for a Clear Philippines.
With extensive expertise and leading technological advancements in the renewable energy sector, the company has leveraged the power of artificial intelligence, robotics and smart monitoring systems to optimize energy production, enhance reliability, and drive efficiency across all it projects with its 4H Philosophy of High Efficiency, High Affordability, High Innovation and High Sustainability.
HandPhil Enertex has expanded partnerships with local electric cooperatives in key regions, including Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Tarlac, Occidental Mindoro, Catanduanes, Northern Samar, Leyte and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM.
