Abra: Abra Lone District Representative Joseph Sto. Ni±o Bernos on Tuesday expressed his full support for the Department of Health’s (DOH) initiative to incorporate solar energy in hospitals and other health facilities. ‘The government should lead the way in efforts to use renewable energy (RE). The DOH’s plan to utilize RE, particularly solar energy, is one that I fully support, and I hope that other agencies will follow suit,’ Bernos stated.
According to Philippines News Agency, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced last week that his agency aims to incorporate solar energy and other renewable sources to combat climate change. Herbosa noted that hospitals and health facilities are significant carbon dioxide emitters and consume large amounts of electricity from fossil fuels. He emphasized that savings from solar energy usage could be redirected to purchase additional medicines and supplies for public hospital patients.
Bernos advocated for expanding renewable energy use beyond DOH hospitals, suggesting it should be mandatory in all government buildings and facilities. He stressed the importance of the government leading by example in renewable energy adoption to help mitigate climate change effects.
He urged the swift passage of House Bill No. 3126, also known as the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems bill, currently pending before the Committee on Energy. The bill proposes establishing on-grid solar energy systems in all national and local government-owned buildings and offices. It mandates that government agencies ensure 20 percent of their average monthly energy utilization is covered by solar systems within one year of installation, gradually increasing to 100 percent by the fifth year.
Bernos highlighted that on-grid solar systems are a cost-effective and viable renewable energy source, citing a significant reduction in solar panel technology costs in recent years. With a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, he described solar panels as a long-term investment with both environmental and economic benefits. The lawmaker also encouraged private households capable of affording solar technology to consider its adoption.
