The Iloilo Provincial Government turned over the second phase of its solar photovoltaic (PV) installation at Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian, which aims to boost energy efficiency and enhance safety.
The project, which includes solar-powered streetlights, cost ₱2.67 million and was funded through the Energy Regulations (ER) 1-94 fund shares from Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC).
The ER 1-94 fund grants host communities of power plants access to resources for development and environmental projects. PEDC, a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corp. and Global Business Power Corp., facilitated the funding under this provision.
Phase 2 of the project installed a 30-kilowatt rooftop solar PV system and streetlights at the hospital. This installation is expected to significantly reduce the hospital’s energy consumption while ensuring better lighting for the safety and security of the hospital’s premises.
Phase 1 of the solar project, inaugurated in March 2024, focused on the hospital’s COVID-19 ward and cut monthly electricity expenses by roughly ₱80,000. The initial phase cost ₱2.6 million.
The combined cost of both phases reached ₱5.27 million.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, representing Governor Arthur Defensor, praised the project’s impact on the hospital’s operational expenses.
Panay Energy Development Corp. First Vice President Antonio Cabalhug, Jr. expressed his company’s support for renewable energy efforts.
“We are proud to be part of a project that delivers tangible benefits to the community while supporting clean energy initiatives,” Cabalhug said.
Local officials, including Alimodian Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche Jr. and 4th District Board Member Rolando Distura, also attended the ceremony, highlighting the importance of sustainable energy solutions for public infrastructure.
Department of Energy Visayas Field Office representative Lourdes Arciaga acknowledged the positive impact of the project. (With a report and photos from Capitol PIO)
