Iloilo district hospitals launch solar projects

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Three key district hospitals in Iloilo Province have begun installing rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

The initiative, funded by the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance of Renewable Energy of 2022 (I-PORE 2022), aims to cut electricity costs at Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas, Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital in Balasan, and Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido District Hospital in Lambunao.

Each facility will receive a budget for grid-tied solar systems: Dumangas hospital a 50-kilowatt system, Balasan and Lambunao hospitals 60 kilowatts each.

I-PORE 2022, authored by Provincial Board Member Rolando “Rolly” Distura, encourages barangays and the province’s 42 towns, including Passi City, to scout for renewable energy project locations with incentives offered.

Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office head Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr., Hospital Management Office director Dr. Paz Calopiz, Provincial Engineer Romeo Andig, and EEC focal Rey Victor Garin were among the project’s implementation representatives at the ceremony.

Hospital chiefs Dr. Dennise Roy Pasadilla (RDDH), Dr. Gene O. Baltazar (JCMDH), and Dr. Alicia Y. Cordero (DRLDH) also attended, highlighting a united front for sustainable healthcare.