Launch of a solar-powered boat in Palawan, supported by the US

Launch of a solar-powered boat in Palawan, supported by the US

This solar-powered boat will facilitate better mobility and the provision of essential services to isolated Palawan island communities. On November 8, Adlao Azul set sail for the first time in the waters off Coron, Palawan. Dr. Paul Brown, the USAID Philippines Environmental Officer, spearheaded the program and boarded the boat with representatives from Coron municipality and Sangat Island Resort.

Considered to be the nation's final ecological frontier is Palawan. It is home to several tourist destinations and attractions, including as El Nido and Coron, where island hopping and beaching are the primary forms of tourism. Palawan, which is home to rare species of plants and animals, is fighting to preserve its ecosystems while promoting environmentally friendly travel.

Adlao Azul, created by Oceantera Energy Corp. with funding from USAID's Energy Secure Philippines initiative, is capable of running on sustainable energy for more than six hours thanks to its high-efficiency bifacial solar panels and US-made battery system.