Iloilo City expands solar program with PHP 25 million

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City government has earmarked PHP 25 million to install solar energy systems in critical government buildings as part of its push to reduce electricity costs and ensure uninterrupted public services during disasters and power outages.

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said the investment is intended to make government offices, particularly evacuation centers and emergency operations facilities, more energy-resilient and sustainable by providing an alternative power source during emergencies.

“With this program, we are making sure that our operations become more sustainable. This will significantly reduce our electricity expenses, and the savings can be redirected to other government services,” she said.

She said priority will be given to evacuation centers, incident command and emergency centers, and other facilities that play vital roles during calamities.

“We allotted P25 million for our evacuation centers and operation centers because, during emergencies, our government offices and operation centers must continue to have power,” she added.

Treñas-Chu said the project is designed to provide both redundancy and savings, ensuring that government services continue even if the main power supply is disrupted.

“We want to be prepared. We want to make sure that government operations do not stop,” she added.

According to the mayor, the initiative also forms part of the city’s long-term strategy to prepare for future energy crises amid rising electricity prices and concerns over power supply security.

The city government is finalizing the list of government facilities to be included in the next phase of the solar energy program.

The final list is expected to be completed next month, paving the way for the bidding process and implementation within the year.

The city currently has solar-powered systems installed in 11 public schools and several government facilities.

These facilities include Iloilo City Hall, the San Isidro Dialysis Center, the Sooc Evacuation Center, the Arevalo Public Market, the East Baluarte Dialysis Center, and Early Childhood Care and Development centers in San Juan and Fundidor in Molo and San Isidro in Jaro.

The expanded program supports the city’s broader efforts to improve energy resilience, lower operating costs, and maintain essential public services during emergencies.