UPV signs pact with alumni groups to set up solar grid at Iloilo City campus

The University of the Philippines Visayas signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the UPV alumni groups for the donation and setting up of a solar grid at the UPV Iloilo City campus.

Chancellor Clement C. Camposano signed the agreement with UP High School in Iloilo represented by the principal, Prof. Alfredo Diaz; iAmUPHi Alumni Association, Inc. (IAAI), represented through Zoom by its President and Chairman, Artemio P. Pama and Noel C. Litan, respectively; UP High School Iloilo Batch ‘80 Alumni represented by Jessraf S. Palmares; and One Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. (One Renewable) President and CEO, Erel B. Narida.

The MOA defined the rights and responsibilities of the parties associated with their collaboration to set up a 5-kwp on-grid solar power facility at the UP High School premises, (Solar Project), that will augment the power requirements of the school and generate savings.

The stipulations include:

• Develop, design, install, operate and maintain a 5-kwp on-grid solar facility to augment the power requirement of UPHSI that can generate savings on its power bill and utilize the savings to ensure continual improvements in the school’s operations.
• Position UPHSI as a thought leader, a pioneer in the use of an ecologically sustainable power source and illustrate to young students with a concrete example/theme on how purpose and vision can impact their life journey. A one-time endowment, quickly and easily deployed, but with years and years of sustainable benefits.
• To reduce pollution and improve air quality on the campus by producing energy generated from renewable sources like solar panels.
• A solar project on campus will prompt students to use more sustainable practices and enable teachers to incorporate renewable energy in their science and math curricula.

The 5-kwp on-grid solar power facility will be 100% funded by UPHSI Batch ‘80 Alumni and the 5-kwp on-grid solar power facility in the UP High School building.

IAAI will assist UPHSI Batch ‘80 in their fund-raising activities for the 5-kwp solar power facility specifically for documentation and/or permits required by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and issuance of official receipts (OR), as needed.

One Renewable will do the design, engineering, procurement, and construction of the project.

Witnessing the signing of the MOA onsite were UPV Vice-Chancellors Dr. Rhodella Ibabao, Prof. Lorenz Belanio, and Dr. Philip Ian Padilla. UPV Batch ’80 and IAAI were represented by Dr. Chona Parreno and Dr. Marovi Celis, respectively. (Ms. Anna Razel Ramirez with sources from OVCPD)