TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Mapua University in collaboration with the City Local Government Unit of Tabuk completed the donation and installation of solar panels in 20 barangays in the city recently.
The donation and installation of solar panel kits was facilitated by the team from Mapua University led by Engr. Joyrence Mervin Agas, Office for Social Orientation and Community Involvement Programs (SOCIP) Director, with John Vincent Malquisto, and Sonny Persia accompanied by staff from the City Public Information Office and City Mayor’s Office.
The beneficiaries were barangays Dilag, Lacnog East, Lacnog West, Bulo, Ipil, Agbannawag, Nambaran, Callacad, Cudal, Amlao, Suyang, Balawag, Lucog, Naneng, Dupag Bagumbayan, Guilayon, Magnao, Nambucayan, and New Tanglag.
Ten of the recipient barangays were identified by the CLGU and the others were chosen by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. However, the final list was prepared by Mapua University based on the data they have of the 43 barangays of Tabuk.
Engr. Agas explained that the barangays have to maximize the use of their electricity produced by the solar panels for free anytime of the day.
He said that the project aims to help barangays minimize their electric consumption through the use of natural light resources as well as to give them alternative energy sources during brownouts and for them to be reachable through the use of technologies.
According to tests, the solar panel kit can at least power a computer set with printer, an electric fan, and a couple of phones or charge 15 cellphones at once, or light up the barangay hall (5-15 light bulbs) or charge some of the other devices at the same time.
Residents, particularly students, who need to use their phones for urgent matters can charge them in their own barangays during brownouts for free.
Barangay officials were oriented and advised to take good care of their solar panel kits to prolong their lifespan.
Mapua University will work with the CPIO to monitor the 20 chosen barangays as part of their evaluation of the project to see if the solar panels provided have had an influence on their monthly energy use. By Ian Jefrey Addatu
