SOLAR stakeholders from across Northern Mindanao convened at the activity center of Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro City for the four-day solar expo, marking a milestone in the region's journey toward sustainable energy.
Held on June 5 to 8, 2025, Mindanao Goes Solar, a movement to rally solar stakeholders around the common goal of an energy transition in Mindanao through solar technology, kicked off the expo with a series of compelling learning sessions and discussions designed to educate and empower attendees.
Experts shared insights on the latest solar technologies and policy frameworks, as well as solar power for agricultural irrigation and the ecological benefits in switching to solar energy.
"The public hindi nila alam that even if malaki ang initial investment mo, but the lifetime savings that you will get is going to go towards something much better for your life also," Helen Grace Uy, co-founder of Mindanao Goes Solar, said.
"You also have the peace of mind that you are helping our world to be better," she added.
Among the stakeholders and exhibitors participating in the four-day expo include: D'Kuryente, Ever Exceed Philippines, Gintong Tubig, GM Solar, Greenergy, IFarms, Kagayan Solar, Solar Up, Solarhub, Spark Solar, Ulric Solar, among others.
According to Uy, they carefully selected these exhibitors to assure the expo goers that these stakeholders have the high quality products they need.
"We want na safe ang customers to come and talagang hindi masasayang yung investment nila. Kasi solar is not yet that cheap. Although its getting there, but still its not that cheap," Uy said.
The Solar Expo 2025 showcases the promising potential of solar energy as a sustainable solution. With ongoing support and increased awareness, Uy is confident that Mindanao will become a leader in renewable energy in the country.
Asked whether Cagayan de Oro is ready to go solar, Uy said,
"Marami namang nag solar dito sa Cagayan de Oro and according to the statistics, may buying power naman ang taga Cagayan de Oro. It's just that sometimes they do not realize that the savings that they will get if they go solar is more than just the change of lifestyle, but also that in the long run, it's to save the Earth, yun ang importante." (Jo Ann Saplad/SunStar Philippines)