Abra: Abra Lone District Rep. Joseph Sto. Ni±o Bernos has expressed his full support for the Department of Health’s initiative to integrate solar energy into hospitals and other health facilities. Bernos emphasized the importance of the government leading the way in adopting renewable energy sources, specifically highlighting the potential of solar energy in mitigating climate change impacts.
According to Philippines News Agency, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced plans to promote solar and other renewable energy sources within health facilities to address climate change challenges. Herbosa noted that hospitals are significant consumers of electricity and fossil fuels, and transitioning to solar energy could result in substantial savings. These savings, he added, could be redirected towards acquiring additional medicines and supplies for public hospital patients.
Bernos advocated for the expansion of renewable energy use beyond DOH hospitals to all government buildings and facilities. He stressed the necessity for the government to be a prominent advocate and implementer of green policies to demonstrate the urgency of utilizing renewable energy sources.
He also called for the swift approval of House Bill No. 3126, or the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems bill, currently under review by the Committee on Energy. The proposed legislation mandates that national and local government-owned buildings and offices establish on-grid solar energy systems. The bill specifies a phased approach to solar energy adoption, starting with 20 percent of the average monthly utilization covered within one year of installation and increasing incrementally to full coverage by the fifth year.
Bernos highlighted the affordability and feasibility of on-grid solar systems, noting the significant reduction in solar panel costs in recent years. He pointed out that solar panels, with a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, represent a long-term investment offering both environmental and economic benefits. Additionally, he encouraged private households that can afford solar technology to consider adopting it.
