Albay town starts using solar power units from NEA

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Residents of a town in Albay have begun using Photovoltaic Mainstreaming Solar Housing System (PVM-SHS) to power their homes, as part of a government effort, through the National Electrification Administration (NEA), to make solar energy accessible throughout the province.

In a ceremonial turnover on Thursday, officials of the NEA, Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-list, and the Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) visited the island town of Rapu-Rapu, where PVM-SHS units were earlier distributed to nearly 300 households.

The distribution came after the NEA approved Aleco's request to handle the operation of the PVM-SHS units. Apart from the 300 units in Rapu-Rapu, about 700 more units will be handed out in other parts of Albay, including Malilipot, Tabaco City, Manito, Legazpi City, Polangui, and Ligao.

“This initiative is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s program to provide power supply to every household by 2028. Across the country, 12,000 households are being targeted, with Albay receiving 1,000 units,” said Emmanuel Jacob, chair of Aleco's Solar Business Unit.

Jacob said a solar home system could be quickly deployed, contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing emissions, and avoids right-of-way issues as it is installed on residential premises.

"The system operates on a 12-volt setup and can power small appliances, such as a television. Aleco will manage the maintenance and guarantee the system's performance. An Aleco-accredited barangay electrician will inspect the units to ensure their durability," he said.

The solar home system is designed for areas where extending distribution lines is physically and technically unviable, particularly for households in remote or isolated communities that lack access to the grid.

"Households will pay PHP7 per day, which amounts to PHP210 per month. This fee will cover maintenance expenses and, in the event of malfunctions, payment for a technician and an electrician," Jacob said.

Government efforts

AKB Rep. Elizaldy Co, who was among those who initiated the project and visited Rapu-Rapu on Thursday, said that in addition to a solar power supply, a solar-powered water system has also already been introduced in the region.

"We have established solar water systems, and now with solar power, we hope other leaders can replicate these efforts in other areas. Renewable energy should be expanded to remote regions of our country while keeping electricity costs low," he said.

Co added that beyond the electrification initiative by the President, the administration is also focused on providing Internet connectivity to last-mile schools nationwide.

"We experienced firsthand one of the essential services provided by our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In Barangay Galicia, Rapu-Rapu, we can feel the positive impact of our government. We are very grateful that our fellow countrymen received this assistance," Co said in an interview.

Rapu-Rapu mayor-elect Rommel Galicia, meanwhile, said the electrification project would boost the economy, livelihood, and daily living of his constituents.

"It will be a great help because it will be useful because every family needs electricity. Children will be able to study at night, they will be able to sleep soundly, and they will have security. The barangays will also be promoted more, especially potential tourist spots," he said.

Emerose Berba, 30, from Barangay Galicia, thanked the President for the project, which has made sustainable electricity accessible to every household.

"Thank you, AKB and Mr. President. This support means a lot to me and my siblings. Previously, I had to stay in Tabaco City for my online tutoring job, but now, thanks to this assistance, I can work from home and help my family with daily chores. Additionally, my expenses will decrease since I won't have to spend money on travel and generator costs," she said. (PNA)