• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As the Provincial Capitol Building in Bacolod City is targeted to be ‘solarized’ within the year, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday encouraged other local government units in Negros Occidental to do follow suit in their respective city and municipal halls.
Elated by the presence of some mayors during the opening program of Renewable Energy week, which was held at the Ayala Mall Capitol Central in Bacolod City, Lacson said there are many exhibitors who can offer their products to solarize government buildings.
Lacson earlier lauded Mayor Rex Jalandoon for utilizing renewable energy, following the ceremonial switch-on of the 100KW Solar PV System of the La Carlota City Hall.
Mayor Jalando-on said that they are gradually switching to renewable energy to promote energy conservation, monetary savings, and environmental protection.
By going renewable, we are also contributing to the reduction of the effects of climate change, aside from savings on the use of electricity, Lacson said.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, the president of Negros Occidental Association of Chief Executives, expressed his 100 percent support to the call for LGUs to solarize the rooftops of government buildings.
“RE (Renewable Energy) should be the norm in Negros Occidental. By principle, it is cheaper, more reliable and better, in terms of environmental conservation efforts,” Benitez said, stressing that the government plays a very huge role to facilitate these kinds of investment.
The New Government Center of Victorias City, he said, will have a canopy type solar power rooftop.
Benitez said the whole building, from the ground to the top, is designed to use minimal energy.
In his speech, Lacson disclosed that the RE Week celebration is a continuation of the conversations of the first Provincial Stakeholders Consultative Power Summit.
“We bring together our key people from the national government, our local government officials and our people in business and industry, the academe, as well as our energy consumers, to further engage with each other for energy security and a collective greener future,” he pointed out.
Lacson said he signed Executive Order No. 24-09 declaring every 3rd 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,” he added.
Lacson further stressed that renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass “are environmentally friendly, sustainable and critical in addressing these concerns.”
“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 added.*
