The provincial government of Iloilo has allocated PHP30 million this year to support the development of renewable energy sources. Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. announced that the funds will be used to establish hospital solar power facilities, starting with three identified locations.
The Dr Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital, Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital, and Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital will undergo rooftop photovoltaic installation.
The Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian is already in the process of installing a similar project. In addition, the provincial government plans to focus on existing renewable energy sources, particularly mini-hydroelectric power facilities in mountainous areas, using the 2023 budget.
Governor Defensor expressed satisfaction with the partnership between the province and the Department of Energy, which aims to attract renewable energy investments.
Iloilo has laid the groundwork for renewable energy, including legislation and administrative issuances, through initiatives like the Iloilo Province Goes Renewable Energy (Iloilo Pro-GReEn) Program and the Iloilo Provincial Renewable Energy Plan (I-PREP).
The local government unit’s commitment to renewable energy development is seen as a way to attract investors and achieve cost savings. Notably, the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan has already benefited from a solar photovoltaic project, making it the first hospital in the country to adopt such a renewable energy initiative.
