Renewable Energy Bootcamp (REBOOT) Training Program – Philippines

Through a rigorous program that emphasizes rootedness in the practical realities of Filipino society and hones competence in the technological, social, and political dimensions, REBOOT develops wayfinders who have the drive and courage to enter unfamiliar territory, identify unfolding injustices relating to climate and energy, and develop novel solutions that decarbonize the economy and empower communities.

This program is fully supported and managed by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Philippine Office. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a private, not-for-profit, public interest cultural-educational foundation committed to the ideals and basic values of social democracy. In its cooperation with civil society organizations, labor groups, the academe, and the government, it contributes to consolidating democratic institutions and in strengthening an inclusive political system and a people-centered economic development. FES has been active in the Philippines since 1964.

Program Objectives

REBOOT trains young RE Ambassadors to:

• Build their knowledge and skills on technologies, policies, and systems needed for an energy transition
• Understand how climate and energy affect social justice;
• Develop community projects that use clean energy to address systemic injustices;
• Convert different stakeholder groups into allies for the just energy transition;
• Create a network of young leaders who accelerate the energy transition by collaborating across disciplines to develop novel energy transition solutions.

REBOOT 5 – What will happen?

• REBOOT Batch 5 will aim to bridge gender, poverty, and energy gaps through renewable energy.
• Because of this, REBOOT has partnered with PKKK, or the Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan, also known as the National Rural Women Coalition. PKKK is a coalition of 326 organizations representing the sectors of small farmers, fishers, rural workers, indigenous peoples, informal and formal workers in the rural areas.
• Through this partnership, participants will explore the social realities of energy poverty through a gender lens and co-develop community projects and policy narratives that can pave the way for a Philippine just energy transition. The themes to be explored include nuanced challenges different genders face amid energy poverty, women’s empowerment as a means towards community-led sustainable renewable energy, and the importance of gender mainstreaming as a primary indicator in developing climate-related proposals.
• REBOOT 5 will follow a hybrid implementation program to ensure a sustained engagement with the participants and maximize the participation of the community partners. There will be four (4) four-day face-to-face intensive training Clusters, two (2) four-day community Immersions, and two (2) one-day online Sprints.
• Once the program starts, the participants will agree on the training schedule as a batch. However, training will be scheduled on the (long) weekends as much as possible to minimize conflict with the participants’ other responsibilities. Attendance in all Clusters, Immersions, and Sprints is required.

RE Ambassadors will gain these competencies through a 12-month journey

• Training Clusters
• Experiments
• Pitstops
• Community Immersions
• Energy Transition Project Implementation
• Personal Space

How to Apply?

• The application is open nationwide to young professionals from corporate, government, and academic sectors or young Filipinos with lived experience in climate and energy advocacy and campaigns. Nominees from the FES partner organization are prioritized for the first 8 slots, while the remaining slots are open to the public.
• Basic Qualifications for Application
  • Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines and will be residing in the Philippines for at least the next three years
  • Within 18-30 years old on the date of the deadline for application (Friday, 31 May 2024)
  • Has training or experience (working or volunteering) in climate and energy work through policy development, community development, social entrepreneurship, advocacy communications, movement organizing, engineering, design, project management, and other related fields
  • Has openness to Community Engagement
  • Has demonstrated interest not just in project development but also in policy development in either just energy transition, gender advocacy, or social justice work
• Participants who may not have sustained experience in community development work or climate and energy advocacy but have an interest in doing so are welcome to apply. REBOOT encourages the diversity of sectors and the representation of various regions and cultures in its selection of participants.

For more information, visit Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).