14/03/2026
The 160-kilowatt solar power installation, which supplies round-the-clock electricity and serves as a car park canopy, is seen inside the Provincial Government Center in Barangay Sta. Clara, Lamitan City, as the province observed its 52nd founding anniversary on Saturday, dubbed “Tennun Pakaradjaan.”
Mujiv Hataman earlier called on local government units (LGUs) across the country to accelerate their transition to renewable energy, positioning it as a critical safeguard against rising fuel costs amid renewed volatility in global oil markets triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
With diesel prices posting consecutive weekly increases, Hataman stressed that renewable energy is no longer merely an environmental advocacy but an urgent economic strategy to cushion communities from inflationary pressures driven by imported fuel.
The P5.3-million solar power installation was activated last month at the Provincial Government Center in Lamitan City.
Currently operating at only 52 kilowatts, the system has sufficient excess capacity to power the soon-to-rise Provincial Board building and a gymnasium, according to Hataman.
Aside from energy generation, the solar panels also serve as a canopy for the government complex’s parking area, shielding official vehicles from harsh weather conditions.
Hataman stressed that “solarizing” public infrastructure enables LGUs to significantly cut operational expenses, allowing savings to be redirected to essential social services at a time when fuel-driven inflation is eroding household purchasing power. | via Roel Pareño