Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday, May 20, urged all Negros Occidental local government units to go solar.
The governor, who issued the call during the opening of the provincial Renewable Energy (RE) Week and Exposition at the Ayala Events Center in Bacolod City, urged the LGUs to install solar panels on the rooftops of their government buildings.
Lacson earlier said seven provincial government buildings, including the Capitol, are also going solar.
He said aside from reducing the cost of power, the move will help mitigate the effects of climate change.
What is important is that the LGUs join the movement for renewable energy, he said.
Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Negros Association of Chief Executives president, said he supports the call of the governor.
“Renewable energy should be the norm for all of us in Negros Occidental”, and government plays a huge role in educating the public about its importance, he said.
Benitez said the new Victorias City Government Center that is up for construction will tap solar power and will have a rain catchment system.
The building is designed from the ground up to use minimal energy, Benitez said.
Lacson said that the provincial RE Week that was launched Monday was the first ever in the country.
The governor earlier signed Executive Order No. 24-09 declaring every third week of May every year as Provincial Renewable Energy Week in Negros Occidental.
“This is because we recognize the urgent need to address climate change, ensure energy security, and promote sustainable development. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and critical in addressing these concerns,” he said in his speech.
“It is necessary to create awareness, educate our community, and celebrate renewable energy technologies, so our people will be encouraged to adopt these in their homes, businesses, and communities,” he said.
“With the serious energy challenges facing us, from intermittent power outages we have been daily experiencing to the recent announcement of power rates increase by 30 percent this May – we cannot allow ourselves to be defeated by bad news,” he said.
Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Marissa Cerezo said the Department of Energy recognizes Negros Occidental as among the first province’s to champion renewable energy.
Renewable energy offers a path to energy independence, resilience against climate change and a cleaner and healthier environment, she said.*