The provincial government releases checks for the renewable energy projects in two last-mile schools in Iloilo on Friday (March 6, 2026). The provincial government has already put in place other initiatives for energy efficiency long before tensions in the Middle East flared. (Photo from Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo)
ILOILO CITY – The provincial government of Iloilo has already put in place various energy efficiency measures, even before the Middle East crisis erupted.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) Committee on Energy chair Rolando Distura, in an interview on Friday afternoon, said as part of the Energy Code, which he authored, the provincial government has created an Energy Efficiency Conservation Office under the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office.
“We are proud to say that all local government units (LGUs) in the province of Iloilo have an energy efficiency conservation officer who looks into the efficiency,” he said.
All 43 LGUs under the province have crafted their Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans, unlocking local funds for energy-saving initiatives.
Under the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance for Renewable Energy (I-PORE), authored by Distura, the provincial government allocates 0.5 percent of its annual provincial budget for renewable energy projects.
He said the 13 hospitals of the province have funding for the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, in adopting green energy initiatives.
Since it started two years ago, only five hospitals have yet to be installed with the system, although the bidding process is underway.
Savings
Distura said the provincial government saved about PHP6.6 million since starting the project.
At present, provincial government offices have shifted to LED lights. The air-conditioning temperature is set at 24°C or higher.
“The procurement of future appliances and air-conditioning units not only at the capitol but also in the hospitals has to be energy efficient,” he added.
Employees and transacting clients at the capitol are encouraged to use stairs, especially when the office is only a floor up or down.
To avoid excessive use of fuel, the administrative offices are looking at carpooling.
“This is the order and the direction of Governor Arthur Defensor for the province,” he said.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the provincial government released PHP850,000 each to the municipality of Dumangas for the Tamboilan Elementary School, and to the municipality of San Joaquin for the Ginot-an Elementary School for the installation of a Hybrid On/Off Grid PV Solar Powered System.
Through the Iloilo provincial government’s Special Education Fund, the initiative benefits Healthy Learning Institution – Last Mile Elementary Schools.
Once completed, a 12-kilowatt hybrid on/off-grid solar PV system is expected to help the school save on electricity costs, provide a more reliable power source for learning equipment, and promote the use of clean, renewable energy among students and educators, the provincial government said in a statement. (PNA)