Mandaue City is officially embracing a greener future. In a formal turnover ceremony held recently, City Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano and Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas Field Office OIC Director Renante Sevilla inaugurated a new solar rooftop installation at the city’s public building, marking a significant milestone in the locality’s transition to renewable energy.
The project, funded through a solar rooftop grant from the DOE, serves as a primary model for how local government units (LGUs) can leverage sustainable technology to achieve fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship.
The transition to solar power has yielded immediate and substantial results for Mandaue’s public infrastructure:
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Energy Efficiency: The building has seen a reduction of over 50% in its grid-based electricity consumption.
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Cost Savings: The city is now saving nearly ₱200,000 per month on electricity bills, allowing for the reallocation of public funds toward other essential community services.
The initiative received high praise from the national government. Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin highlighted the project as a blueprint for other cities to follow.
“I congratulate the City Government of Mandaue, under the leadership of Mayor Ouano, for their move to use solar energy in public buildings,” said Secretary Garin. “This shows that sustainable energy solutions are effective in helping to deliver government services for the people of Mandaue City, while also protecting our nature.”
The DOE’s support for Mandaue City is part of a broader national strategy to empower LGUs in implementing sustainable energy solutions. By reducing reliance on traditional power sources, the DOE and Mandaue City are working together to build a more stable, resilient, and “humane” energy future for the country.
Mayor Ouano expressed his gratitude for the DOE’s partnership, noting that this turnover is just the beginning of Mandaue’s journey toward becoming a leading “Green City” in the Visayas region.
