Iloilo city: The city government has secured a PHP25 million grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to install solar energy systems in public buildings as part of efforts to improve energy efficiency in Western Visayas. General Services Office head Neil Ravena, who also serves as the city's energy conservation officer, said the grant is part of the DOE's Solar Solutions for Government: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Public Buildings Program (SSG-ERPB).

According to Philippines News Agency, Ravena mentioned the initiative comes at a crucial time as Western Visayas faces power supply challenges due to its position at the tail-end of the grid supplied by Eastern and Central Visayas. The city is currently awaiting DOE guidelines before submitting its project proposal.

Ravena indicated that the city has initially identified high energy consumption facilities, including schools and the Iloilo City Action and Resilience Center, as possible sites for solar installations. Several schools and street lights in the city are already powered by solar energy. Ravena noted that Mayor Raisa Tre±as has proposed expanding solar installations to other city-owned facilities.

Last week, Tre±as participated in the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Energy Secretary Sharon Garin for the SSG-ERPB program and the launch of the O.N.E. (Oras Natin sa Efficiency) campaign in the Visayas. She stated that renewable energy has become "a practical investment in resilience, fiscal responsibility, and better public service."

Tre±as emphasized the importance of investing in renewable energy, stating, "By investing in renewable energy today, we are creating long-term savings, strengthening energy security, and building a city that is more resilient to the challenges of tomorrow."