TO combat the adverse effects of climate change and reduce high electricity consumption, the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has allocated P51 million for its transition from traditional energy sources to renewable energy (RE).
According to Gov. Jose “Jing” Gambito, this initiative will include the installation of solar panels on two major buildings at the provincial capitol compound in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya — the Nueva Vizcaya Convention Center and the Provincial Capitol Main Building.
Edgar Sabado, Nueva Vizcaya provincial planning and development officer, said this transition to RE is expected to “yield substantial financial benefits… an annual savings of P10 million to P11 million with the shift from traditional energy sources to RE.”
Kathleen Marcela, Nueva Vizcaya acting provincial general services officer, said the monthly electric consumption of the provincial capitol is around P2.8 million. “This figure is exclusive of other facilities managed by the province, such as hospitals, which consume an additional P1.2 million per month,” Marcelo explained.
The provincial government is also prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices in addition to the RE initiatives at the provincial capitol.
Gambito said the Padanum ti Umili project, which is a solar-powered irrigation system to boost agricultural productivity, is being implemented in the municipalities of Villaverde and Quezon, as well as the demo farm of the Provincial Agriculture Office at Sitio Polloc in Barangay Roxas in Solano town.
The province has allocated P14 million for the project’s first phase to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions while addressing environmental concerns and demonstrating fiscal responsibility. “By investing in RE, we are securing a greener future for Nueva Vizcaya while ensuring significant cost savings,” Gambito said.
The installation of solar panels is set to commence soon, while the implementation of the solar irrigation system is almost 100 percent complete. He pointed out that as the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, these initiatives can show “how LGUs (local government units) can lead the way in environmental stewardship and energy efficiency.”
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