At least 300 solar-powered streetlights have been installed along the Agoo-Baguio City Road in Agoo, La Union, making nighttime travel there safer for motorists, commuters, and local residents.

With a budget of PHP96.49 million funded through the General Appropriations Act of 2024, the project is expected to improve nighttime visibility and reduce vehicular accidents in the area, according to Esperanza Tinaza, regional information officer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 1, on Friday.

“This (project) is a significant milestone in enhancing road safety in the second district of La Union,” Tinaza said in a statement.

Installation of the solar lights along the area covering Barangays Macalva Sur, Macalva Norte, San Francisco, San Agustin East, and San Agustin Sur started in June 2024 and was completed recently.

“This project supports the government’s broader commitment to infrastructure development, public safety, and sustainable energy use,” said District Engineer Gil Lorenzo of DPWH La Union, as he expressed hope that the newly installed lighting system will result in safer and more secure conditions for all road users at night.

“Thank you for prioritizing the installation of solar-powered streetlights for an added visibility and security on the road,” Neri Lacuata, a motorist from La Union, said of the project.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, through Department Order No. 19, series of 2023, has issued the standard design on the use of solar-powered streetlights on public works projects to ensure that the roadway lightings are stable, energy efficient and have long service life.

The order also sets lamp wattage, mounting height, spacing, use of pole arms, and road classification, among others, to ensure there is enough light sources on the traveled path. (PNA)