Bataan, a peninsula province in Central Luzon with a population of more than 800,000 is gradually shifting to solar power in its energy mix. In fact, locators at the sprawling Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) are being asked to decide what power source they are going to use in their plants to determine the power consumption capacity.

This was learned from Bataan Gov. Jose Enrique S. Garcia III during a press briefing in his office before the onset of Holy Week, saying that the trend now is to make way for solar farms to meet the needs of a particular province. “Although some issues are still under study to iron out kinks,” the governor said. He explained that some government structures like the Metro Bataan Development Authority, the Bataan People’s Center, the transport group and other major structures are now dependent on solar power. “Papunta na tayo sa solar and renewable energy,” he said adding that the province also needs more charging stations for electric vehicles. “Wala na tayong pollution,” said the governor.

Bataan Second Dist. Rep. Albert S. Garcia has revealed that the Bataan People’s Center saved 30 percent in its power consumption since it used solar power. Abucay town Mayor Robin Tagle said that the municipal building is almost 95 percent solar-powered. “The savings we gained from the power consumption can be channeled to our livelihood projects,” Mayor Tagle said.

In the national level, power industry stakeholders, experts and consumer advocacy groups are weighing in on the pros and cons of 3.3 -billion dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal that seeks to achieve the country’s twin goals– energy security and lower power rates

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