The 180 barangays (villages) in this highly urbanized city are encouraged to adopt solar power systems as an alternative energy source to reduce operational power costs and promote environmental resiliency.

Mayor Raisa Treñas said in addition to barangays, city residents are also urged to consider using solar power, especially with the crisis in the Middle East, and the preparation for alternative energy sources is encouraged.

“It will make sure that when we have solar, it will be sustainable,” Treñas said in a radio interview on Tuesday.

The mayor’s call was in support of Resolution No. 2026-0236, passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) early this month, calling for the integration of solar power systems.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Romel Duron, said that the energy crisis requires contingency planning to address alternative renewable solar energy for 118,000 households and 20,000 commercial establishments in the city, with a daily energy requirement of approximately 5.75 million kilowatt-hours.

Treñas said she will be meeting with barangays to determine whether they would like to make the solar power systems a priority project, as the city government is currently helping them with their preferred initiatives.

The city mayor added that the city government is also looking at the gradual installation of solar panels in schools starting next year to reduce power costs and promote sustainability.

The local government helps pay the utilities of 66 public schools within the Schools Division of Iloilo City.

Also being studied is the installation of solar power in various government offices, including health centers and the Iloilo City Action and Resilience centers.

In 2024, the local government installed 134 solar panels at the city hall, capable of generating 60 kilowatts a day and providing around one-third of the building’s power demand. (PNA)