Energizing
hinterland barangays

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The initiative of putting up solar energy in unenergized communities in far-flung areas in some towns and cities in the province is a brilliant idea hatched by the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative and the Department of Energy.

As a renewable energy, solar is the most abundant source. But the cost is still beyond the reach of the ordinary wage earner in our country. Man has used solar power in its passive form by using the sun to dry food and clothing and to warm dwellings for millenia.

Scientists say that the sun is still the most powerful and abundant form of natural energy in existence. It takes only 40 minutes of sunlight that strikes the earth it has the potential to power every electrical need on the planet for a year.

The system will generate up to four hours of power use in the evening for 50 to 75 watts of on electric bulb and will charge power during daytime. The cost per unit is valued at P35,000, free installation. The cooperative is expected to receive 300 units costing P10.5 million next month.

The cooperative is now focusing on bringing electricity to the hinterland barangays, 60 percent of which have been energized.

We hope and pray for the success of the solar project so that our brothers and sisters in the hinterland barangays will experience the benefits of having electricity in their own homes.*