Donated by ICSC
TACLOBAN CITY – The coastal municipality of Guiuan in Eastern Samar is making a significant move toward sustainable energy with the installation of a 60-kilowatt-peak (kWp) On-Grid Hybrid Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System, marking a shift to solar power as a reliable and cost-effective electricity source.
The project was formally handed over through a ceremonial switch-on and turnover event held at the Guiuan Municipal Hall grounds on February 27.
It was made possible through a partnership with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), an international non-government organization advocating fair climate policy and low-carbon, climate-resilient development.
The 60-kWp On-Grid PV system refers to the maximum power output of a solar panel system under ideal conditions. This capacity is sufficient to power around 36 to 40 households with an average electricity consumption of 200 kWh per month.
According to Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol the 60-kWp hybrid solar system can help the municipality save on energy costs, allowing the savings to be allocated to other social services for its constituents. “Through this installation, we will see the proof of the concept of having the power to choose our own electricity supply,” she said.
Guiuan, located at the southernmost end of Samar Island, has regularly experiences power outages, a problem that could somehow be solved through this project, Mayor Analiza Gonzales-Kwan said.
“There are 365 days in a year, but the brownouts might reach 500 occurrences,” she said.
“Guiuan is the largest municipality in Eastern Samar, and this project will inspire many others to see that it is possible. This collaboration between ICSC and the municipality of Guiuan demonstrates the power of partnership built on a shared vision, mutual trust, and a deep understanding of the community’s needs. It’s a game changer,” Mayor Gonzales-Kwan added.
The project represents the largest PV system installation by ICSC in the Eastern Visayas region and will provide power to the municipal hall and its facilities. ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz highlighted that the initiative serves as a model for climate-resilient development.
“Our partnership with Guiuan goes beyond the solarization of the municipal hall rooftop. This milestone signals systemic changes that will serve as an example of how climate-resilient development can be achieved through strong local leadership and collective action,” dela Cruz said.
The initiative includes upholding five key actions under Guiuan’s Just Energy Transition Agenda, accelerating the adoption of renewable energy, and promoting community-led energy solutions to enhance energy security and affordability in the municipality.
“We are not just switching on a new energy source for the municipal hall building. We are igniting a transformative journey for our beloved town—one that prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and progress. As we power up the solar PV system, we take another significant step toward self-reliance, embracing renewable energy solutions for the benefit of our communities, economy, and environment,” said Rectito Melquiades, Guiuan Sangguniang Bayan Secretary.
The memorandum of agreement for the hybrid solar PV installation project was officially signed between ICSC and the local government of Guiuan, represented by Executive Director de la Cruz and Mayor Gonzales-Kwan, in October 2024.
Following the turnover ceremony, the hybrid PV system will undergo a one-month testing period before full operational deployment.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
