Mayor supports governor’s solar energy call

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental announced that the local government plans to adopt solar energy solutions for government building rooftops by the end of this year.

Yulo made this statement Tuesday in response to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s call for local government units (LGUs) in the province to implement solar energy solutions.

“We in Moises Padilla fully agree with the governor on using solar energy,” Yulo told reporters.

She said the town’s electricity bill amounts to P300,000 to P400,000 monthly, totaling nearly P5 million annually. Yulo emphasized that shifting to solar energy is a one-time investment that, while costly initially, will result in significant savings.

“What we can save can be used for other projects that will benefit the people,” the mayor stated.

Yulo added, “Over time, the savings will increase,” further supporting the governor’s call.

“I support the governor’s initiative and we will push through with the ‘solarization’ of the town before the end of this year,” Yulo said.

She noted that solar panels would be installed on the roofs of the municipal hall and the Rural Health Unit, which currently relies on a generator for a 24/7 power supply.

Earlier, speaking at the Renewable Energy Week and Expo Inaugural Launch held at the Ayala Event Center in Bacolod City, Lacson emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewable energy.

“We are encouraging all LGUs to solarize their rooftops,” Lacson said on Monday. He noted that all local chief executives were invited to the event, which continues today (Tuesday), to explore the potential of solar energy.

The expo featured numerous exhibitors offering products and solutions to support the province’s solarization efforts.

“By going renewable, we can contribute to reducing the effects of climate change, plus the savings,” Lacson said. “But more important is to address the issue of climate change.”

While Lacson did not provide specific figures on potential savings for LGUs, he highlighted the provincial government’s solarization initiative.

Starting this year, seven key government buildings will be fitted with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, expected to save an estimated 132,080 kWh to 158,000 kWh per month. At P12 per kWh, this translates to monthly savings of P1.5 million to P1.8 million.

The provincial government properties set to be solarized include the Provincial Capitol, CyberCentre, Negros Residences, First Terminal Market of Negros Occidental, and surrounding government buildings.

Lacson explained that the government would not purchase the systems outright but would pay for the installations on a monthly basis.

“If we buy the system, it would cost the government P70 to P75 million. We thought we could use the money for something else,” he said.

Currently, only the La Carlota City and Sipalay City governments in Negros Occidental have installed PV systems. Lacson urged other LGUs to consider similar projects and, if necessary, pass ordinances to facilitate the adoption of solar energy.

“If it’s required to pass an ordinance, by all means do it. The intention is to go renewable,” Lacson stressed.