Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities
PRESS RELEASE
Renewable energy BRIGHT Project installed in northern Tacloban school

TACLOBAN CITY, 23 September 2019 – The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) formally turned over today a solar powered electricity generator to the Scandinavian Elementary School in Barangay San Roque, Tacloban City.

It is the pilot project of ICSC’s Brighter, Resilient and Thriving (BRIGHT) Schools program, which aims to promote solar technology and best practices in energy efficiency in public schools to reduce electricity costs.

“I hope that Scandinavian Elementary School is just the first and one of the many BRIGHT School Projects in the city, paving the way for Tacloban public schools to lead the way in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly schools,” said Tacloban Vice Mayor Jerry ‘Sambo’ T. Yaokasin during the ceremony.

ICSC installed the Mission Energy System at the two-storey, six-classroom Pope Francis Learning Center of the school. It can generate electricity to power the school library and a high wattage LCD projector. It can also serve as a backup power of the school and a community solar charging station of the barangay during disasters and power outages.

“Our school will definitely benefit from the project in terms of savings from reduced electricity costs. Our students can learn more about renewable energy while our teachers, parents and even barangay officials can learn how to properly operate the Mission solar generator,” Scandinavian Elementary School Principal Lorena Bonifacio said.

A memorandum of agreement was signed between ICSC; Scandinavian Elementary School; the Department of Education (DepEd) Tacloban City Division Office and its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management team; the Parent, Teachers and Community Association of Scandinavian Elementary School; Sangguniang Barangay of San Roque; and the Office of the Tacloban City Vice Mayor.

“The youth have the power to transform the energy system and stave off the worst impacts of climate change. We want to help our students tap into that power by benefiting from affordable and accessible renewable energy in their second home, the school,” said Arturo Tahup, RE-Charge Philippines Project Coordinator for ICSC.

ABOUT: The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) is an international climate and energy policy group promoting climate resilience and low carbon development.

PHOTOS: © Lottie Salarda/ICSC

CONTACT:

  • Arturo Tahup, RE-Charge Philippines Project Coordinator, arturo@icsc.ngo, +63 917 1226736
  • Ahlette C. Reyes, +63 999 973 9102