Every year, Filipinos brace for typhoons. The seas are creeping ever closer to our shores, drought constantly threatens our farms, and heat waves are stretching our health systems. 

The Philippines has been called “ground zero” for climate change, and for good reason: It ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world.

At first glance, this seems like a curse. But it can also be a catalyst. If we choose wisely, the Philippines can emerge as a regional leader in renewable energy, climate resilience, and green jobs—in other words, the very storms that batter us can power our rise.

Crisis and opportunity

Our current energy mix tells the story of a missed chance. Despite abundant sunshine, steady winds, and flowing rivers, the Philippines remains dependent on imported coal and oil. This makes us vulnerable to price shocks, energy insecurity, and pollution that worsens climate change.

Globally, the race to decarbonize is intense. China and the United States are pouring their resources into renewables, and our neighbors in Asean, like Vietnam and Indonesia, are scaling up solar and wind. The Philippines cannot afford to be left behind.

And here’s the hopeful angle: There is no reason to play catch-up forever. With the right policies and given what we already have, we can leapfrog directly into the future.

Abundant natural resources. We are blessed with year-round sunlight, strong coastal winds, geothermal hot spots, and hydro potential. Unlike other countries, we don’t need to import sunlight or wind. Our islands are natural laboratories for renewable energy innovation.

A young and skilled workforce. Filipinos are adaptable, creative, and technically capable. With the right training, our workforce can build, maintain, and innovate in renewable systems. This is not just an environmental project but also a jobs project.

A global imperative. International investors are shifting portfolios toward green energy. Financing, technology, and partnerships are available for countries ready to commit. The Philippines can ride this wave of capital, positioning itself as Asean’s renewable hub.

What needs to change

But if the Philippines is to lead, we must act on several fronts:

• Policy certainty. Investors hesitate when rules shift. We need clear, long-term targets in renewable energy backed by enforceable laws.

• Infrastructure first. Transmission lines and smart grids must be built to carry renewable power from far-flung islands to urban centers.

• Local innovation. Universities and startups should be incentivized to develop affordable solar kits, microgrids, and battery storage systems suited for island communities.

• Community ownership. Renewable projects should not just benefit large companies. Cooperatives and local governments can own solar farms and mini-hydros, providing the people both power and income.

Vietnam, once an energy laggard, became Southeast Asia’s solar champion almost overnight by offering clear feed-in tariffs and regulatory support. Costa Rica runs nearly 100% on renewables, thanks to a mix of hydro, wind, and geothermal. If they can do it, why can’t we?

The Philippines, with its archipelagic geography, can even pioneer solutions in microgrids and decentralized energy—innovations that other island-nations can follow.

Why these matter

Renewables are not just about electricity. They are also about sovereignty and survival. By reducing dependence on imported coal and oil, we can strengthen our economy. By cutting pollution, we can improve public health. By building resilient power systems, we can protect communities from climate shocks.

And yes, by creating green jobs, we can give young Filipinos a reason to stay and build their future here, instead of overseas.

The Philippines has long been described as a “victim” of climate change. But victims need not remain powerless. Our geography, once seen as a liability, can be our greatest advantage.

Imagine a Philippines where every island runs on its own renewable microgrid, where cities are powered by solar and wind, where young engineers and entrepreneurs build the technologies of the future.

We don’t have to wait for others to act. The storms will come anyway. Let us harness the wind, capture the sun, and prove that even in the age of rising seas, the Philippines can rise higher still.

Dr. Rafael R. Castillo is a cardiologist, educator, and public health advocate. He was president of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and the Asian Pacific Society of Hypertension, and was a longtime health columnist of the Inquirer. He has over 45 awards to his name, including the PHA Lifetime Achievement Award, and continues to champion preventive cardiology and public health reforms here and abroad.