Taytay gov't to use solar energy to lower operational cost

MANILA, Philippines - The city government of Taytay in Rizal province is set to use solar energy system to illuminate dim portions within its vicinity. In a statement, Taytay Mayor Joric Gacula disclosed that they are already in the process of evaluating the cost of putting up a solar energy system for the town-based resettlement areas for a start. Initially, the local government is slated to use solar-powered street lamp post along Highway 2000, a dimly-lit major thoroughfare connecting Taytay and Pasig City. Gacula explained that while the solar powered lamp post would be comparably more expensive than the ordinary street lights, he said that adopting the system will enable them to save some 80 percent as compared to the existing system, which makes use of the costly electricity. “We are paying an average of one million pesos monthly for our electricity bills. With this system, we’ll probably cut our power bills to just P200,000. That way, we can make use of the P 800,000 savings for our health and sanitation programs,” Gacula said. Municipal Engineer Ronald San Juan also said that the solar system would also rid the local government of its perennial problem on cable theft. Likewise, San Juan said the system would have a long-term benefit to the local government, even as he recommended the use of the system in their town hall. Taytay, considered as the next component city of Rizal, has been enjoying investments spillover from Metro Manila. It has a population of 500,000 and local revenue pegged at P300 million. - GMANews.TV