Several local government units (LGUs) in the country are now engaging with the use of renewable energy technologies, which address climate change mitigation, energy security, and economic benefits.
Interviewed during DILG sa DZRH Breaktime, Dona Remedios Trinidad (DRT) and Bulacan Mayor Ronaldo Flores shared how they became an SGLG awardee in 2023 and Meralco's Luminaries Awardee in 2024.
"Wala naman pong naging sikreto kundi naggawa lang po tayo ng iba't ibang programa para matulungan natin ang ating mga kababayan dito sa bayan ng DRT na magkaroon po ng maayos na supply ng kuryente, especially po yung mga lugar na mga nasa kanayunan yung mga nasa kaitasan sa bundok," said Flores.
In partnership with Meralco, DRT was able to build solar systems in five of its barangays, which are in far-flung areas.
Despite the challenges of putting poles and transformers in barangays, which are located at the foot of the mountain, Flores said they were able to place 800 poles and transformers, reaching 1,800 households.
Flores noted that they are still implementing different programs to extend the supply of electricity in their municipality.
"Kami po ay unti-unti nang pumupunta na sa renewable energy dahil sa katunayan po itong LGU po namin ay naglaan po ng 3 million na pondo para makabitan po kami ng solar system o energy para dito po sa aming munisipyo para mabawasan rin po yung load na aming naikokonsumo na galing sa kuryente po ng Merlaco," said the Mayor.
Aside from the solar project, the prize from the Seal of Good Local Governance award was utilized for buying electric vehicles, such as an electric pickup truck.
"Para medyo maging green at makatulong sa ating bansa sa pagpapababa ng climate change dahil sa fossil fuels. Papunta na po kami [renewable energy dependent], its a 5-year program," Flores remarked.
Also sharing their LGU's renewable energy project, Baras, Rizal Mayor Wilfredo Robles takes pride in their "Biggest Solar Farm.".
"Kaisa po ang bayan ng Baras upang mapababa ang greenhouse gas emissions or global warming sa pamamagitan ng [solar plant] kami naipahintulot na maipatayo ang solar plant dito sa aming bayan," said Robles.
Robles said the solar farm has 200,000 panels that have the ability to supply more than 80,000 households.
Furthermore, Robles said that the solar farm has not only provided livelihood and employment to the residents of the area but also the beautiful scenery that has become a tourist attraction.
Tourists are able to explore the area by the use of e-trikes, which provide an eco-friendly way to ferry tourists around town.
The solar panel, according to Robles, has reached elementary school, evacuation center, and the power post eco park.
"Maliwanag ang aming lugar sa pamamagitan ng mga solar panel dito, kaya ligtas ang mga turista dito sa aming bayan," said Robles.
Robles stressed that the solar panel has resulted in a lower charges of Meralco's electricity bill.
The two LGUs, who were both Meralco Luminaries Awardees, thanked DZRH for being a platform for sharing their success stories in helping the community have brighter homes through the use of renewable energy.
