The local government unit (LGU) of Lapu-Lapu has provided solar panels to 80 households in Caohagan, an islet barangay belonging to the Olango Island Group in this city.

Mayor Junard Chan said via social media on Sunday that addressing the power supply problem in the area will help boost its tourism appeal. He described the islet as a hidden tourist gem.

He said the islet boasts of white sand, crystal clear water and a sandbar that can provide visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

While residents used to depend on generators for their electric supply, candles, and gas lamps for their light, they now have their own energy supply to light their houses using the solar panel sets.

Each solar panel set comes with four LED (light-emitting diode) lights and a smartphone connector that allows the residents to charge their mobile phones.

“Aside from the solar panel sets, the city also installed 25 solar-powered street lights on the whole island,” the mayor said in Cebuano.

Last week, Chan also distributed 560 solar panel sets to households and installed 80 solar-powered street lights in Barangay Pangan-an, another islet barangay in Olango.

After Barangay Caohagan, solar panel sets would also be distributed to Barangay Caubian, another islet barangay in Olango.

Chan said the city government also plans to provide free pump boats and fishnet to the fishermen in Caohagan.

Aside from solving the electricity source problem, Chan said he also wanted to promote Caohagan as a hidden tourist destination in Lapu-Lapu City.

“Why go somewhere else when we have our own? Bisita na sa (Come and visit) Caohagan in Olango Island!” he said. (PNA)