• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday (May 20) encouraged local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental use solar energy in their respective city and municipal halls as the Provincial Capitol building in Bacolod City is targeted to be solarized within the year.
Seeing the presence of some mayors during the opening program of the Provincial Renewable Energy (RE) Week held at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City, Lacson said there are many exhibitors who offer products to solarize government buildings.
He earlier lauded La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalando-on for utilizing renewable energy, following the ceremonial switch-on of the 100KW solar PV system at their city hall.
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 having savings on the use of electricity,” Lacson said.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, 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 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 also 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 said 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 collective greener future,” he pointed out.
Lacson signed Executive Order 24-09, declaring every third week of May as the 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 said 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. | GB
