Council defers solar panel proposal

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has set aside discussions for the proposed installation of more than ?2 million worth of solar panels in the Barangay Sambag 2 gymnasium after its practicality was questioned by the body.

This discussion stemmed from the proposed resolution of Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, that sought to authorize the acting Cebu City mayor to enter into a contract with SBD Builders.

The project is for the Provision of Renewable Energy Based Electrification in Sambag 2 for more than ?2.5 million as per Bids and Awards Committee resolution dated February 26, 2024.

During the previous session, the approval of the said resolution was also deferred following the questions on its source of funds. Guardo then told the council that its fund source is from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) downloaded to Sambag 2 to install solar panels in their gym.

In the discussion, Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., minority floor leader raised the comparison of viability between paying for the electricity bill and the installation of the solar panels. He added that solar panels, if not properly installed, could only last from two to three years.

"Now kung atong bayranan is only like ?3,000 in one year...there would be ?36,000. And butang ta lang five years, that is ?180,000 unya if mogasto tag ?2.5 million basin sayop ta ani," said Archival.

"And take note, we are the ones spending for it, kita maoy nagbayad ani," he added.

After Guardo reiterated that the said amount is from the DILG, Archival said that regardless of the source of funding, the costs of the installation should still be justifiable. He added that compared to sticking to paying electricity bills and installing solar panels, the government can have lesser costs with the former.

Guardo said the said funding was given during the incumbency of former Sambag 2 barangay captain Ryan Aznar. He added that their plans include providing electricity to their barangay gym, the adjacent day-care center, and the proposed evacuation center that will be built near the gym.

Councilor Noel Wenceslao, who served as Sambag 2 barangay captain, said that the area's gym is incorporated with the day-care and health centers. He said they could pay up to approximately ?8,000 for the electric bill 20 years ago.

"With this project, it will not only energize our gymnasium, but it will also include the health center, and the day-care center kay murag these are adjacent properties," said Wenceslao.

Seconding the point of Archival on the lifespan of the solar panels, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, majority floor leader, also said that the warranty shall be also included in the MOA.

"We have to know what's the warranty for this kay it's not just simply a construction project but it also includes the installation of electrification of the area," said Pesquera.

It was also underscored that in Cebu City, there were only two barangays that were granted such funding from DILG, the other being Barangay Ermita. Both Pesquera and Archival also recommended including the maintenance responsibilities on the part of the contractor once the installation is done.

At the end of the discussion, the council approved to defer the said resolution for another week anew to comply with all the suggested amendments by the council members.