CATBALOGAN CITY (PIA) — The municipal hall in Paranas, Samar, is now powered by a 48-kilowatt-peak (kWp) Smart Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System, which will save an estimated P15 million in lifetime electricity costs.
In partnership with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), Paranas became the first municipal hall in Samar Province to harness solar energy, marking a significant advancement toward renewable energy in the region.
Assistant Secretary Mylene C. Capongcol from the Department of Energy highlights the government’s commitment to increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the power generation mix.
Mayor Eunice Babalcon expresses the community’s dream of reliable renewable energy. Since 2019, Paranas has actively installed solar power in public buildings, significantly enhancing the energy infrastructure.
In October 2024, ICSC and the local government of Paranas formalized their partnership for the hybrid solar PV project through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The MOA details the collaboration between Paranas and ICSC to install and maintain hybrid photovoltaic systems. These systems allow the LGUs to generate, utilize, and sell surplus electricity while promoting renewable energy initiatives in their municipalities.
Carlito V. Gabon, Jr., the local youth development officer in Paranas, Samar, appreciated the solar initiative, providing an uninterrupted power supply to support the municipality’s daily operations. (AAC, PIA Samar)
