For several years, Oxfam Pilipinas has been working toward a future where the shift to clean energy is not only environmentally sound, but also fair and inclusive, especially for communities that are often left behind.

In the municipality of Dolores, Eastern Samar, this vision took shape through the Just Energy Transition (JET) Project, in partnership with the Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT) and other local partners. From 2021 to 2023, the project helped bring solar-powered electricity to the island barangays of Hilabaan and Tikling, places that had long lived without reliable power.

But the project was not only about installing solar systems. It was also about people. Communities were supported in managing their own energy systems, building local enterprises, and strengthening their capacity to shape their own development. Over time, access to electricity opened up new possibilities for livelihoods, children’s education, health and safety, and more resilient and empowered women and communities.

This participatory storybook grew out of a five-month journey with the members of the Hilabaan Women’s Association and the Linao Women Fish Vendor’s Association. Together with researchers from the College of Development Communication (CDC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños and Oxfam Pilipinas, they shared their stories, reflected on their experiences, and helped us understand what has changed in their lives and communities.