WHAT used to be another dark stretch of the Batangas-Tabangao-Lobo road is now lit up at night, thanks to the installation of another sets of solar-powered streetlights by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) under the Save, Invest and Nurture Access to Green Energy and Technology (SINAG) project of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Shell Import Facilities (SHIFT).
Punongbarangay Mano-lo Macatangay of Brgy. Tabangao Ambulong said the installation of the new sets of solar-powered streetlights will surely help not only his constituents but more so, the number of motorists plying the Tabangao-Lobo Road.
Prior to the switching ceremony, Macatangay ang Punongbrangay Andres Malibiran of San Isidro, who heads Barangay San Isidro both signed a Memorandum of Understanding signifying their commitment to work hand and hand withe SHIFT and PSFI for more security and development concerns of their barangays.
PSPC Tabangao External Relations Manager Darlito Guamos said Shell, through PSFI’s SINAG project, has found an innovative way to use green energy in promoting road safety among partner communities like San Isidro.
“Shell is not only serious about road safety, but also about powering progress using cleaner energy solutions. In Tabangao, for example, we’ve set up a solar farm at the terminal, which produces enough electricity to power operational and residential needs inside the compound,” he added.
The Shell officials were also joined by Engr. Ronaldo Frago of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Batangas Second District Engineering Office, Batangas City police station commander Police Lt. Col. Gerry Laylo and the City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office.
Laylo says police stationed at the San Isidro outpost located by the road lit up by the solar-powered streetlights since February of this year find it easier to maintain peace and order in the barangay at night.
Iniatially, the program installed 16 solar-powered lights. Now, at least 46 units have been installed and benefitted four (4) barangays for hte city.
PSFI Program Officer Olive Sorio said that the provision of solar-powered streetlights manifests Shell’s commitment to safety, especially since its lorry trucks traverse the dark stretch at night. “Isa ito sa mga solusyon na naisip na ipatupad kung saan marami ang makikinabang (This is a solution that promotes safety at work which also benefits the community),” she said.
Community volunteers underwent training last December on the monitoring and maintenance of the streetlights.|- BNN/jmrayos
