PB authorizes Gwen to give out solar lamps

CEBU, Philippines — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has authorized outgoing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with various local government units (LGUs) for the distribution of more than 26,000 solar-powered streetlights across the province.

A resolution granting authority to Garcia was passed during the SP’s regular session on June 14. It allows the governor to formally enter into agreements with LGUs for the rollout of  26,634 solar LED streetlights. Each unit, priced between P23,000 to P25,000, includes adjustable arms and tapered lamp posts.

The solar lighting project forms part of the Capitol’s initiative to improve road safety, particularly in far-flung barangays.

However, the resolution drew controversy during the session when Board Member John Ismael Borgonia questioned why the item was discussed despite not being listed in the official calendar of business.

Borgonia pointed out that the resolution was instead taken up under “Other Matters,” a section typically reserved for less urgent concerns.

PB Member Andrei Red Duterte later clarified that the resolution missed the June 11 cut-off due to the Independence Day holiday on June 12. He explained that the adjusted work schedule moved the submission deadline earlier to 12 noon on Wednesday, instead of the usual 5 p.m.

Vice Governor-elect Glenn Soco, who currently sits as a Provincial Board member, defended the move, saying the SP has long allowed urgent matters from the Governor’s Office to be included even if not formally calendared.

“I voted in favor of having this on the calendar of business because it has been in practice,” Soco said, addressing the concerns raised by Borgonia.

He added that the discretion to include such items lies with the floor leader, the SP secretary, and the Vice Governor.

“This is already a practice we have done. I'm sure the honorable member from the 3rd district knows that because he has been part of the SP since 2018,” Soco added.

Duterte confirmed that the resolution was approved by majority vote and will now be forwarded to the Executive Department.

“With the SP’s approval, the Provincial Governor can now proceed with the signing of the Deed of Donations and Acceptance, as well as the MOA with the LGUs,” Duterte said.

Of the 14 SP members present, 12 voted to include the resolution in the calendar. Board Member Cesar Baricuatro abstained, while the remaining member did not object.

The project aims to address lighting and road safety concerns in underserved barangays. According to earlier reports, the more than 26,000 solar streetlights are already in Cebu and ready for deployment. Each unit includes batteries, panels, poles, and other accessories, which will be installed in coordination with recipient LGUs.

The Capitol emphasized that the project will be implemented through donations and will not involve fund transfers to LGUs. — (FREEMAN)