by Rebecca Carmela Cruz

Editor’s Note: Becca Cruz is a Senior Data Analyst with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities. 

Last February 12, our Energy Policy Team—the coolest team ever—joined Iloilo Provincial Board Member Rolando Distura on a ‘Lakbay Aral’ across Iloilo to witness firsthand its remarkable solar projects and initiatives. These efforts were among the key reasons the province was recognized as the pioneer and sole awardee of the Sustainable Awards for the Local Government Unit Category in December last year.

True enough, we saw how solar energy is being utilized to improve lives, providing local communities with energy security and long-term savings. As a data analyst, I have been working on big energy data; I  work with lots of numbers and charts, but truth be told, this is the first time I have seen solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and operations up close.This experience gave me a tangible understanding of how solar operates from point of source and how it helps communities, and also gave me a better appreciation of what we do in Energy Policy and ICSC as a whole.  

Reliable power for healthcare

Our first stop was the Iloilo Provincial Hospital, the first hospital in the Philippines to have Solar PV installation under the Development for Renewable Energy Applications Mainstreaming and Market Sustainability (DREAMS) Project which was launched last April 2022. According to data from Iloilo Province, the hospital’s 75 kW rooftop solar PV system has saved PHP 1.6 million on electricity bills from 2023 to August 2024. By harnessing solar energy, the hospital has reduced its dependence on the grid, cutting energy costs while ensuring smooth and continuous operations.

The system also includes battery storage, which guarantees uninterrupted power during outages—a crucial feature for hospitals where reliable electricity is essential for life-saving equipment and patient care. With the savings generated, Iloilo Provincial Hospital can reinvest in improving its facilities, enhancing the quality of care it provides to the community

Beyond providing energy, the solar panels also serve a dual purpose as a roof for the hospital’s visitor parking area, maximizing the use of space while protecting vehicles from the elements.

Empowering early education and community development

Our next stops were a pair of Day Care Centers in Bantud and Callao in the municipality of Dumangas. When we talk about solar energy, we usually think about cost savings and being more sustainable, but seeing the Solar PV installations in Callao and Bantud really made me realize how much more it can do. For instance, just by installing air conditioning units powered by solar energy, toddlers and kindergartners are now excited to go to school, and even parents are wanting to tag along, as one of the teachers shared with us. 

With a more comfortable environment, going to school and learning has become a lot more enjoyable for the kids. As James Clear mentions in his book, Atomic Habits, “If you want to start a positive habit, make it easy, and make the negative habit hard or uncomfortable.” That’s exactly what’s happening here—the kids are more eager to learn and show up, and the whole experience is so much better.

With parents now having more time for themselves, the next step could be to find ways to empower these households even more, maybe through a partnership with TESDA. This could help them learn new skills and open up more opportunities for their families. Beyond just keeping the classrooms cool, the solar PV system also powers the admin office, cutting down on electricity costs. These savings can be put back into the centers to improve services and resources. There’s so much potential for growth, and it’s heartwarming to see how these small changes can make such a big difference in the community.

As I reflect on this experience, I can’t help but feel hopeful: Imagine the difference this could make If we can replicate these initiatives across the country. Transitioning to renewable energy is a long lasting investment of the government funds; an investment for the next generation, for community resilience and for development. 

A huge thanks to BM Rolly Distura for accommodating us even if it was a holiday. God bless Iloilo and may your light always shine bright!

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