In line with the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) call to strengthen national defense, disaster preparedness, and energy resiliency, the Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Energy Secure Philippines and Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute (HNEI), held an Operations and Maintenance Training and Turnover Ceremony for the Mobile Energy System (MES) on 29 July 2025 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.
In a statement, the training provided Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel with hands-on skills to operate and maintain MES solar-powered units. These systems will enhance the AFP’s ability to respond quickly to disasters, secure critical missions, and maintain energy availability in remote or high-risk areas.
Three MES units were officially turned over to the AFP during the event. The ceremony was led by DOE Undersecretary and Task Force on Energy Resiliency Chairperson Felix William B. Fuentebella, and received by Brigadier General Armand M. Arevalo on behalf of AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr.
“The Mobile Energy System is a force multiplier. It energizes our frontliners, supports mission-critical operations, and delivers on the President’s call for a resilient and secure energy future,” Undersecretary Fuentebella said.
Each MES is a mobile, solar-powered unit housed in a 20-foot trailer, equipped with 9.18 kWp solar panels, a 60 kVA hybrid inverter, and 102.4 kWh of battery storage. These units can provide immediate, off-grid power to command centers, hospitals, and other essential operations during emergencies or in hard-to-reach areas.
The MES has already demonstrated its impact: units have powered typhoon-hit areas in Cagayan (Sta. Ana and Lal-lo) and recently deployed to remote Palawan islands (Pag-asa and Balabac).
“These systems are more than equipment—they are part of a long-term strategy for energy resiliency. Their success depends on the skill and readiness of our personnel,” Undersecretary Fuentebella added.
The MES program reinforces the strong collaboration between the DOE and the AFP, advancing the country’s capability to respond to emergencies, protect national security, and sustain reliable energy in challenging conditions.
