Iloilo saves PHP 2 million through solar installations

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo provincial government saved more than PHP 2.015 million in electricity costs from January to May 2026 through solar photovoltaic installations at the Provincial Capitol Complex and five government hospitals.

Data from the 4K for MoRProGRes Dashboard showed that the solar facilities generated a combined 180,803 kilowatt-hours during the five-month period.

The Provincial Capitol Complex generated 49,973 kWh, translating to approximately PHP 424,158 in savings.

Among the hospitals, Aleosan District Hospital recorded the highest generation at 34,877 kWh, saving PHP 396,833 in electricity costs.

Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital followed with 31,354 kWh generated and PHP 354,202 in savings.

Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital produced 27,866 kWh, saving PHP 317,299.

Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido District Hospital generated 27,420 kWh and saved PHP 310,452.

The Iloilo Provincial Hospital generated 18,313 kWh, reducing electricity expenses by PHP 212,889.

The province’s shift toward renewable energy includes the installation of a 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at the Provincial Capitol.

Phase I of the three-phase project was formally switched on April 7, 2025, during the kickoff of the 124th Semana sang Iloilo.

The savings highlight the potential of solar energy to reduce government operating expenses as the province prepares measures to mitigate the possible effects of El Niño.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said solar power could provide local government units with a more affordable source of additional generation capacity.

“If you are an LGU and cannot put up a plant, the bottom line is the generation capacity of the system,” Defensor said Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The next day, Defensor discussed the province’s El Niño preparations with department heads and chiefs of offices and hospitals.

The meeting covered updates from the Provincial Task Force on El Niño and the provincial government’s Rice Program.

Officials also discussed preparations for the 2026 year-end activities and the status of the proposed 2027 annual budget.

The discussions allowed provincial offices to coordinate ongoing programs and identify priorities for addressing the potential effects of El Niño on agriculture, water supply, health, energy and public safety.

Defensor said the provincial government expects concrete and practical interventions as it prepares for the potential impacts of the climate phenomenon.

The proposed measures will require funding from other portions of the provincial government’s budget because the interventions are not automatically covered by a possible declaration of a state of calamity.

The Iloilo Provincial Capitol earlier earned a 100% five-star rating for compliance with the Government Energy Management Program following a random spot inspection by the Department of Energy Visayas Field Office on April 13.

The assessment recognized measures such as the establishment of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk and the designation of energy conservation focal persons.

It also cited driver training, carpooling policies and the implementation of a four-day workweek.

The provincial government has also advanced renewable energy projects, including Phase II of its 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system.