The ‘Watts Next’ participants, judges and organizers at the presentation and awarding ceremonyFP Island Energy Corporation commenced commercial operations in 2021. More than the round-the-clock electricity generation to power island communities through solar energy, FP Island aspires to do more by addressing local challenges and paving the path for a regenerative future for its communities.

The “Watts Next? Regenerative Solutions for Island Life” ideation program saw FP Island, together with First Gen Corporation and First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH), seek climate-responsive, impactful and innovative project proposals from FPH Group employees in partnership with Energy Development Corporation (EDC), Lopez Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI), Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center and New Energy Nexus (NEX) - Philippines. The aim was to promote regenerative development in the island communities of Caramoan and Garchitorena in Camarines Sur by harnessing the transformative power of electricity.

The program was launched in October 2023 in a hybrid setup, featuring community video stories, highlighting the significant impact of 24/7 energy access provided by FP Island. The program transitioned to a World Cafe, a forum where online and in-person participants met with the community members.

Participating teams consulted with experts from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, NEX - Philippines and the innovation team of the transformation office of EDC to gauge the feasibility and the regenerative potential of their ideas. Teams also learned how to pitch their ideas through a learning session with an expert in storytelling and pitching or ganized by the “Watts Next” secretariat and FPH-First Gen HR.

Judges Agnes de Jesus, FPH chief sustainability officer; Jay Soriano, First Gen VP; Miko de Vera, EDC VP; Dr. Rodel Lasco, OML Center executive director; Perpi Tiongson, LGFI operations director; and Brenda Valerio, NEX - Philippines country manager selected the following winners: Gulaminds with “Maximizing Yield and Economic Viability of Gelatin Production in Barangay Mansangat,” Ladies Who Lunch with “Harong Yaman Dagat” and PowerPuff Girls with “Project SPLASH: Seaweed Processing for Livelihood Advancement and Sustainable Harvest.”

The members of the winning teams, the corporate social responsibility group of FPHFirst Gen-FP Island and the community members will incubate and co-implement the projects in the barangays.

(Story/Photos by:Dianne Datu)