Pangasinan: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Ilocos Region has been assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Pangasinan in adopting renewable energy in their production through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
According to Philippines News Agency, DOST Pangasinan director Arnold Santos stated that through the program, MSMEs can borrow funds for the procurement of solar panels. "Ito ay parang soft loan, no interest, no collateral, at may grace period, payable for three years," he said. SETUP aims to provide MSMEs with interventions such as technologies, equipment, and technical assistance to address their production challenges.
Santos emphasized that the goal is to ensure long-term resilience for MSMEs. By regularly monitoring energy outputs and operational efficiency, the program helps local entrepreneurs remain competitive. There are nine SETUP-assisted firms across the province that have integrated solar power systems into their operations, according to DOST.
Among them is the DL Hatchery and Balut Industry, which has installed a 15-kilowatt solar panel system, reducing its annual electricity consumption by 53.2 percent. R and E Poultry Farm achieved a 43.07 percent reduction in energy use, while Rillera Farm reported a 90 percent drop in monthly electricity expenses. Gerrilaide Farm reduced its energy costs by 78.3 percent, and Moon Light Farm reported a 35-percent decrease in electricity consumption following the full installation and operation of its solar technology.
JPD Poultry Farm and Sunny View Farm have demonstrated sustained benefits, consistently achieving up to 50 percent efficiency gains per production cycle since adopting solar systems in 2016 and 2017, respectively. These results affirm that solar integration is a cost-effective and durable investment for agricultural productivity, according to DOST.
Unicolor Printing Press recorded a 60.82-percent reduction in annual electricity consumption after investing in solar technology. Teodora Dar, owner of Unicolor Printing Press, shared that they previously paid approximately PHP60,000 per month, but their lowest bills now range from zero to PHP2,000. "We are very thankful for these interventions, which have helped us reduce production costs and operate without worrying about power interruptions," Dar stated.
