(Infographic courtesy of Daraga Public Information Office)
LEGAZPI CITY – At least 15 local government buildings in Daraga, Albay are now enjoying reduced electricity costs and continuing social services despite brownouts in neighboring towns.
In an interview on Thursday, Pranz Dominic Samar, Daraga public information officer, said 15 out of the 54 barangay halls in the town are now using solar panels that support the environment by using clean energy.
"We're on it, we already achieved 15 and within this year, we want to complete the 54 barangays halls in Daraga town all solar-powered. This project is part of the 6-point agenda of Mayor Carlwyn G. Baldo--advance basic social services. We have energized barangay halls and covered courts while using clean energy," Samar said.
He said the Solar Power Energization Program focuses on helping the barangays to save and increase funds and prevent delays or lack of services, especially in situations where electricity is needed.
"Since Albay is always visited by strong typhoons and different kinds of calamities, solar-powered government buildings like the barangay halls can help respond to basic services, particularly in health and communications. Barangay transactions will not be suspended. Government assistance during calamities will be delivered immediately," he added.
The other villages that are also now using solar power in their barangay halls are Tagas, Alcala, Bagumbayan, Bañadero, Matnog, Salvacion, Sagpon, Sipi, Bigao, Mi-isi, Nabasan, San Ramon, San Vicente Grande, and San Rafael.
Based on their interviews with barangay captains, Samar said the savings from electricity costs will be used to increase the honorarium of barangay health workers, barangay police (tanods), and street sweepers.
"After the barangay halls and covered courts, Daraga Mayor Baldo aims that streetlights in the town will be solar-powered too," he said. (PNA)
