22 October 2025 – Siena College’s campuses in Quezon City and Taytay are now fully powered by renewable energy through a partnership with ACEN RES, the Ayala group’s retail electricity unit. This underscores Siena College’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and a sustainable future for its academic community.
Guided by the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena, Siena College, a network of Catholic academic institutions, is dedicated to nurturing the youth through high-quality education imbued with empathy for people and the planet. This shift to renewable energy directly reflects the institution’s embrace of Laudato Si’, the late Pope Francis’ encyclical on Care for Our Common Home. Laudato Si’ calls for global dialogue and action on protecting our planet and its inhabitants, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all creation and the urgent need for ecological conversion.
By shifting to renewable energy ahead of the opening of the school year, Siena College concretely demonstrates its commitment to this vital message, providing an inspiring learning environment that embodies responsible stewardship of resources.
In recognition of the campuses’ switch to renewables, ACEN RES turned over its “Powered by Renewable Energy” badge, a special symbol of recognition exclusively given to businesses and institutions that have embraced renewable energy through ACEN RES. The Siena community will now see the badge prominently displayed at both campuses, a visible testament to this eco-conscious leap.
Tony Valdez, Senior Vice President for Market Transformation at ACEN, said: “More and more institutions, especially in the education sector, are realizing the immense advantages of transitioning to renewable energy, not just for the planet but for their long-term operational sustainability. We are honored that Siena Colleges have placed their trust in ACEN RES as their renewable energy partner. ACEN RES lauds Siena Colleges for making the right choice, setting a powerful example for other academic institutions nationwide.”
Sr. Maria Celia Varon, O.P., President of Siena College of Quezon City, said: “As Catholic institutions, it is imperative for us to walk the talk when it comes to sustainability, truly living out the message of Laudato Si’. This shift to renewable energy allows us to significantly reduce our environmental footprint. Beyond our ecological responsibility, this partnership also optimizes our energy costs, enabling more efficient operations so we can continue to provide high-quality education that remains within the reach of many students.”
Sr. Rosalea Busilac, O.P., President of Siena College of Taytay, said: “Our commitment to the youth extends beyond the classroom to ensuring a healthier planet for their future. By embracing renewable energy, we are not only embodying our values but also keeping our operations more efficient. This efficiency allows us to channel more resources directly into enhancing the learning experience and expanding access to education, reinforcing our mission to serve.”
Through its partnership with ACEN RES, Siena College’s Quezon City and Taytay campuses collectively avoid approximately 290 tons of carbon emission equivalents monthly. This move to renewable energy reinforces its mission to educate not just for academic excellence, but also for a deeply rooted sense of environmental responsibility.
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