Faith-Fueled Economics: Institutions in the Philippines Are Financing the Future with Laudato Si’

“This is not just about going solar—it’s about building an economy of solidarity rooted in faith.”
– Raymond Daniel H. Cruz Jr., Director for Laudato Si’ Relations, WeGen Philippines

Where the ecological crisis often feels paralyzing, Catholic institutions in the Philippines are offering a hopeful, faith-filled alternative: a renewable energy movement grounded in spiritual conviction and economic innovation.

Together, the Council of the Laity of the Philippines and WeGen Laudato Si’ have launched one of the most ambitious church-led renewable energy transitions in the region. Since 2016, they’ve supported over 330 installations of solar panel systems across the country, displacing millions of kilowatt-hours of fossil fuel energy and dramatically reducing emissions.

But the real story isn’t just environmental—it’s economic.

Building a Faith-Based Economy of Solidarity

This transition is being powered not by foreign investment or corporate sponsorship, but by Catholic cooperatives and local financing models. Through what’s called the Laudato Si’ Circular Model of Financial Solidarity, dioceses are reimagining how capital flows—and who benefits.

Here’s how it works:

• Catholic cooperatives provide low-interest loans to parishes, schools, and hospitals to install solar systems
• Institutions generate long-term savings on electricity
• Loan repayments strengthen local cooperatives, creating a cycle of community wealth
• Jobs are created locally in solar installation and maintenance
• Revenue-generating projects can be reinvested in education, pastoral programs, or social ministries

This is economic development rooted in Gospel values—one that avoids extractive finance models and centers human dignity, ecological sustainability, and community empowerment.

“More work for the locals, renewable energy for the institutions, modest returns for the cooperatives, and a self-sustaining cycle of ecological conversion.” – Cruz

From Fossil Dependence to Distributed Power

On the island of Negros, this model is becoming a blueprint. Inspired by the local bishop and Laudato Si’ advocates, the provincial government has signed a contract with WeGen to install 1.2 megawatts of solar across six government buildings—a public commitment to a future free of coal.

The dream?  To become the world’s first coal-free island powered by 100% distributed renewable energy.

Practical Tips for Other Institutions

Inspired to explore a similar model? Here’s what helped in the Philippine context—and could guide your path:

1. Map Financial Tools Within Your Community
   Explore whether religious cooperatives, ethical finance institutions, or local governments can support mission-aligned lending.
2. Start with Small, Viable Projects
   Begin with a pilot site like a school or rectory. Demonstrate the cost savings. Build momentum.
3. Align Your Financial Goals with Your Moral Values
   Energy bills can be transformed into mission funding. Consider how long-term savings can redirect resources toward justice, education, or ministry.
4. Build Coalitions Early
   Economic change needs political will and pastoral support. Bring diocesan leaders, laypeople, and cooperative representatives into the conversation early.
5. Track and Celebrate Economic Impact
   Stories of energy saved, jobs created, and money reinvested in local needs are powerful. Share them widely.

With more than 4,000 metric tons of carbon emissions offset, thousands of dollars saved, and a growing circular economy of faith-led institutions, this partnership proves that ecological conversion is not a financial burden—it’s a spiritual and economic opportunity.

At its core, Laudato Si’ invites us to transform not only our hearts, but the systems we participate in. In the Philippines, that transformation is already underway—powered by the sun, by solidarity, and by a renewed vision of what our economy can serve.