More rural barangays get power boost from solar energy
With the Administration's option of spending on infrastructure and social services to spur growth in the countryside, tapping of affordable and reliable energy sources has been a priority.
The Rural Power Project (RPP), designed as a roadmap to full electrification of all barangays and households nationwide, is looking into the maximum implementation of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations especially in the remotest areas where power grid extension is not technically and financially viable.
RPP Project director Mylene Capongcol said that RPP is a market-based program, which focuses on the participation of the private sector to promote public-private sector partnership in government's electrification program.
Ms. Capungcol said that an innovative and decentralized electrification subprograms being introduced is Project Access or Accelerating Community electrification Using Sustainable Solar.
Under the Project Access is the Sustainable Solar market Packages which involves the clustering of barangays that will create a critical mass for any business undertaking.
Capungcol said communities have to be convinced that PV installation is good for them because it gives them access to information, helps children do their homework at night, protects health of the people against respiratory illnesses caused by kerosene lamp use, enhances peace and security in the areas, plus other benefits.
In Iloilo province now, there is a solar PV system, being installed in a community in Higantes island, about five hours by land and boat from Iloilo City.
Other areas include Lanao, and other more or less 169 barangays in Mindanao, where despite security problems, government and private workers continue to work hard to bring electricity to the regions.
RPP was designed consistent with the vision of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
(PIA/ESS)