MANILA REP. JOEL CHUA, ISINUSULONG ANG PAGGAMIT NG SOLAR ENERGY SA PUBLIC BUILDINGS, OFFICES AT INFRASTRUCTURES

NAGSULONG ng mungkahing batas si Manila Congressman Joel Chua (3rd district) na inoobliga ang paggamit ng solar energy sa lahat ng government infrastructure, buildings at offices.
Sa ilalim ng “Solar Government Act,” ang naturang proposal ay sumasakop sa public schools, hospitals, libraries, sports facilities, parks, museums, airports, docks, port areas at lahat ng properties ng National Government and Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs).

Ani Chua, ang “Solar Government Plan” ay bubuuin ng Department of Energy (DOE), sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa Department of Budget and Management (DBM) at Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), para sa “phased installation and integration of solar energy systems in said government infrastructure, buildings and offices.”

“The Solar Government Plan shall include, but will not be limited to: a comprehensive inventory of government infrastructure, buildings and offices covered by the Act; technical and feasibility assessments to determine the suitability of solar energy systems in such facilities; a phased implementation schedule prioritizing high-energy-consuming government facilities; technical standards and guidelines for the installation, operation and maintenance of solar energy systems and estimated funding requirements and recommended financing mechanisms for its implementation,” dagdag pa ni Chua.

Paliwanag pa ni Chua: “Such solar energy systems shall be capable of supplying at least 30% of the building’s average daily electricity consumption and all newly-constructed government infrastructure, buildings and offices shall be designed and constructed to accommodate and integrate solar energy systems as part of their standard energy infrastructure. The installation and operation of solar energy systems shall comply with the technical standards and guidelines prescribed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and other relevant government agencies.”

Ang mga pribadong properties na ginagamit ng pamahalaan sa pamamaagitan ng lease, usufruct o parehong arrangements ay maaring maisali sa Act, depende sa kasunduan ng govbyerno at may-ari ng property.

“Cost-sharing arrangements between the government and the property owner for the procurement, installation and maintenance of solar energy systems may be agreed upon by the parties, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,” aniya.

Ang local government units (LGUs) ay hinihimok umanong mag-adopt at maglagay ng solar energy systems sa government infrastructure, buildings at offices kung saan maaring magbigay ng financial assistance o subsidy ang Department of Energy (DOE) at Department of Budget and Management (DBM), depende sa availability ng pondo.

“The DOE shall establish guidelines for the availment and distribution of such assistance, with priority given to LGUs with limited financial capacity and those implementing large-scale solar energy adoption in public facilities. All bidding and procurement done for the purpose of the Act shall be in accordance with the law and existing rules and regulations. The same shall be made in public with all pertinent documents available. An initial amount of P1 billion shall be appropriated for the implementation of this Act. Thereafter, such amounts necessary for the completion and implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act,” paliwanag pa ni Chua.

Aniya, ang national government ay nagpapatakbo ng libong tanggapan, paaralan, ospital at public facilities at lahat ito ay gumagamit ng malaki at tuloy-tuloy na elektrisidad.

“As electricity and fuel prices remain volatile and subject to global market fluctuations, the cost of powering these facilities continues to place an increasing burden on public funds. In recent years, rising electricity costs –largely influenced by the fluctuating prices of fossil fuels, have significantly affected government operating expenses. These recurring expenditures reduce the resources that could otherwise be directed toward vital public programs and services,” pahayag ni Chua.

Aniya ang bansa ay nabiyayaan ng mayabong na solar energy at ang paggamit at pagpapabuti nito ay magbibigay sa pamahalaan ng ‘practical and sustainable opportunity’ upang mabawasan ang konsumo ng kuryente galing sa ‘conventional sources’ at upang magkaroon ng ‘long-term energy costs.’

“This measure mandates the integration and use of solar energy systems in government infrastructure, buildings and offices nationwide. By gradually shifting government facilities toward solar power, the State can significantly reduce electricity expenditures and ensure more efficient use of public funds,” he said, adding that “through this initiative, government facilities can also serve as leading examples in the adoption of renewable energy technologies while strengthening the country’s efforts toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future,” dagdag pa ni Chua. (JERRY S. TAN)