Two small bakeries in the Philippines province of Bataan are turning to solar power in an effort to stabilise production and manage rising operating costs.
The shift comes under the Department of Science and Technology’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST-SETUP), which supports micro, small and medium enterprises in adopting new technologies.
Through the initiative, Five Brothers’ Bakery in Bagac and Rock N’ Rolls Bakery in Balanga City have begun integrating solar power into their daily operations.
The partnership was formalised through an agreement between the businesses and the Department of Science and Technology in Central Luzon, implemented through its provincial office in Bataan.
Reducing costs and ensuring continuity
For both bakeries, the adoption of solar energy is closely tied to operational stability.
In small-scale food production, interruptions in electricity supply can disrupt output and affect income, particularly for businesses that rely on consistent baking schedules.
Five Brothers’ Bakery general manager Emelie Carreon said the support would allow the business to maintain continuous production.
“The DOST SETUP programme is a great help to micro, small, and medium enterprises like ours that have been awarded solar energy systems.”
She added, “It will allow us to speed up and expand our operations because there will no longer be interruptions or power shortages, and our production can continue,” as said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.
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The ability to sustain uninterrupted production is seen as a practical advantage for bakeries, where timing and consistency are essential.
By reducing dependence on conventional electricity, the businesses expect to avoid disruptions linked to supply fluctuations.
At Rock N’ Rolls Bakery, the anticipated benefits are also financial.
General manager Gabriel Nisay III said the reduction in electricity costs could ease pressure on operating expenses.
“The solar power system provided to us is a big help in reducing our operational costs, especially our monthly electricity bills.”
“Because of this, the savings can be allocated to improving other aspects of our business,” he said.
Supporting small enterprises through technology
The initiative forms part of a wider government effort to support smaller businesses by improving access to technology.
SETUP is designed to enhance productivity and competitiveness by introducing tools that can streamline operations and reduce costs.
Department of Science and Technology provincial director Catalina De Leon-Cruz said the programme is intended to strengthen the capacity of local enterprises.
“Support like what was provided to Rock N’ Rolls Bakery and Five Brothers’ Bakery helps lower their operational costs and improves their day-to-day operations.”
“We will continue to guide and support these businesses so they can take advantage of more opportunities to grow,” she said.
Both bakery operators also acknowledged the role of the agency in guiding them through the process, from application to the formalisation of the agreement.
In Bataan, the experience of the two bakeries suggests that even modest technological changes can have practical implications for production and cost management.
As more enterprises explore similar options, the integration of renewable energy into small-scale industries may become a more common feature of local economic development.
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Jheruleene Anne Ramos