Across the Philippines, grassroots communities face a complex set of interconnected challenges, including high electricity costs, unreliable grid supply, inadequate access to safe drinking water, growing climate vulnerability, and a shortage of skilled technical workers. In Iloilo City, these challenges are particularly acute, affecting boarding houses, hospitals, universities, and small enterprises that depend on affordable and reliable utilities to support economic activity and quality of life. Addressing these issues requires integrated, scalable solutions that combine commercial viability with measurable social and environmental impact.
Adlaw Tubig (sunlight and water), is a bold new social enterprise developed under the Global Leaders Programme 2026, designed to build sustainable energy and water systems for the Philippines. By integrating solar energy, clean-water infrastructure, and workforce development into a single platform, Adlaw Tubig addresses the root causes of utility insecurity while creating long-term economic opportunities for local communities.
At the heart of the model is an integrated utility platform that delivers affordable solar-powered electricity and clean water through flexible power purchase, leasing, and service-based arrangements. Supported by ongoing operations, maintenance, and smart monitoring systems, the venture helps customers reduce utility costs, improve service reliability, and strengthen resilience against climate-related disruptions. Complementing the infrastructure is a comprehensive training programme that develops locally based technicians, creating green jobs while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the systems deployed.
Anchored in Iloilo City, selected for its growing demand, supportive stakeholders, and pressing utility challenges – Adlaw Tubig will initially focus on boarding houses and hospitals before expanding across the province and into other Philippine cities. The venture will harness existing wells through solar-powered water purification and pumping solutions – transforming local water assets into reliable sources of safe drinking water while reducing dependence on costly and vulnerable utility networks. Through strategic partnerships with government agencies, universities, investors, and community organisations, Adlaw Tubig aims to create a commercially sustainable model that delivers affordable energy and clean water, strengthens climate resilience, and advances The Philippines’ renewable energy and water security objectives.
With projected profitability from Year 3, a payback period of approximately 5.5 years, and a pathway to reach 900 boarding houses, 24 hospitals, and 9 universities, Adlaw Tubig offers a replicable blueprint for climate-resilient development. Explore the full business plan and executive summary to learn how Adlaw Tubig is transforming energy and water access into a catalyst for sustainable growth and community prosperity.
In collaboration with the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST) and CB Environmental & Energy Consultancy Services (CBEEMS). Presented at GIFT’s Public Forum, Manila, July 2026.