Sunlight Hotels & Resorts, Huawei Partner to Power Sustainable Ecotourism at SETIR

Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort goes solar for a cleaner, smarter energy supply 

Sunlight Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable ecotourism in Palawan with a major milestone: the adoption of solar power at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR) in Culion in partnership with Huawei.  

The shift to solar technology was introduced during the Sunlight-powered Huawei Smart Microgrid Solution Launch & Summit on December 4 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. At the event, Sunlight Hotels & Resorts’ General Manager, Radine Brito, highlighted the unique challenges of running a remote 18-hectare island resort, particularly the heavy reliance on diesel generators. 

Sunlight Hotels & Resorts' General Manager Radine Brito at the Sunlight-powered Huawei Smart Microgrid Solution Launch & Summit

While necessary, diesel isn’t really ideal for the environment. Diesel use also presents significant challenges to the resort’s daily operations. Since Sunlight transports its own diesel to Coron, it’s very costly, time-consuming, and requires complex logistics from the resort’s end.  

"These challenges make energy supply one of the most demanding aspects of running a remote island resort. Operating on the edge of low diesel supply is a delicate balance that demands both resilience and efficiency,” Brito explained. 

Recognizing the need for a long-term, sustainable solution, Sunlight Hotels & Resorts made the decision to adopt Huawei’s solar microgrid technology—a move aligned with the company’s goal of reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency. Through this switch, SETIR can now generate clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy in the long run. 

"With diesel being one of the contributors to climate change, we're starting to see the effects of that through the typhoons that also affect us and affect the rest of our country," Brito added during the panel discussion. "So, it's our responsibility to have an energy solution that's more sustainable in the long run, not just for SETIR but for the entire Philippines."

When choosing a solar provider, Sunlight prioritized three main factors: durability in harsh seaside conditions, cost efficiency and long-term value, and strong support during the adoption of new technology in a remote island setup.  

“Huawei didn’t just tick these boxes; they exceeded our expectations,” Radine emphasized. From 24/7 support and staff training to on-site installation and programming, Huawei provided end-to-end assistance, ensuring a smooth transition to solar power. 

“With the technology that comes with Huawei’s solution, we can now consume energy smarter, optimize our operations in real time, and make data-driven decisions on how to consume energy more efficiently,” she added. 

As Sunlight Hotels & Resorts continues to go for eco-friendly solutions, guests at SETIR can look forward to experiencing a resort that is not only more energy-efficient but also more aligned with the protection and preservation of Palawan’s pristine natural environment. 

Through responsible energy management and forward-thinking initiatives, Sunlight Hotels & Resorts redefines what it means to champion sustainable ecotourism on a remote island.