China brings solar power to Antique, Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese government is providing 3,000 units of solar-powered LED street light and home solar power system in the provinces of Antique and Palawan as part of efforts to help the country combat climate change.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and vice chair of the National Development and Reform Commission of China Zhang Young inked a memorandum of understanding for the grant of solar energy devices to Antique and El Nido in Palawan.

“The agreement was signed to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation between the two parties to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and improve social well-being,” Cimatu said.

Cimatu said the donation from the Chinese government would help promote the use of renewable energy in local communities to mitigate climate change impacts.

“We also hope to promote renewable energy in the far-flung areas in the Philippines and reduce carbon emissions,” he said.

Under the agreement, the DENR will oversee the delivery of 2,117 units of solar-powered street light and 769 units of household solar power system to the beneficiaries.

In Antique, about 100 barangays or 116,080 individuals will benefit from 1,562 units of solar LED street light, while 151 barangays or 179,848 individuals will gain from 769 units of household solar power system.

A total of 555 units of solar LED street light, meanwhile, will be distributed to six barangays in El Nido, with 7,025 residents expected to benefit from the donation.

The DENR agreed to assume all the taxes and other arising costs for the goods upon entering Philippine territory, and for clearance, delivery and transportation of goods once they arrive.