Use of solar energy in government offices and GOCCs sought

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MANILA  — A lawmaker is urging the use of solar energy in government offices and other government-owned establishments to generate savings and protect the environment.

Rep. Eric L. Olivarez (1st District, Parañaque City) said utilizing solar energy is more beneficial considering that it has almost no impact on the global climate unlike electricity generated by power plants, which produces carbon dioxide emissions that are harmful to the environment.

“Using solar energy will lessen pollution which damages the natural environment that leads to global warming,” Olivarez said.

Olivarez also said solar energy is limitless and will always be available for use unlike non-renewable resources like coal, oil and gas which can only be used once as they do not replace themselves.

Olivarez filed House Bill 5319 mandating government offices and government-owned institutions to utilize solar energy for at least 30 percent of their electricity and/or thermal energy consumption in their day-to-day operations.

The bill also requires all government agencies and establishments to install solar panels unto their buildings for the efficient conversion of solar energy into electricity that they need.

“Although the use of solar energy is perceived to be a costly endeavor, the long-term benefits of tapping solar energy outweighs the expenses the State will have to incur,” he explained.

Olivarez said by utilizing solar energy, the country would be able to preserve the non-renewable energy sources and leave some for the future generation.

“In this way, we will be able to meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs,” he said.