Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Sorsogon City government targets power consumption reduction, strengthens Climate Change mitigation strategies

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, AUGUST 2, (PIA) ....Heeding the urgent call of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (CCAM) aside from addressing the issues on power rate increase and lessen power consumption, Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda in an interview this week said, "I am bent to implement certain strategic measures to lessen the effects of Climate Change and address the issue on power reduction and consumption".

Starting within the Sorsogon City Hall premises, solar energy powered lights replaced the old mercury bulbs with electric supply from the Sorsogon Electric Cooperative, installed 2 weeks ago, these solar powered bulbs now provides lighting to the national highway fronting the Sorsogon City Hall.

Mayor Dioneda this month issued a memorandum to city administrator, Ret. Gen. Ireneo Manaois, instructions to distribute the Light Emitting Diode (LED) to all barangays, a city government initiative to lessen power consumption, reduce power cost. and primarily as a strengthening  mitigation and adaptation strategy to lessen the effects of Climate Change.

All barangays within the city received 20 units of LED to replace the existing street light bulbs or florescent lamps used in their barangays.

According to mayor Dioneda, the research findings which were suggested by several students from the Sorsogon State College (SSC) using the LED as source for lighting proved to be one of the measures where power consumption can be reduced into half of the current power cost the city is paying.

He also said that by using the LED, Sorsogon City will be leading in the advocacy for a clean and safe environment.

"By replacing the existing florescent bulbs found out hazardous to human health because of its mercury content, Solar powered light will  be now seen in major thorough fares of our city lamp posts"." Installing the LED.will eventually reduce power cost ", he said.

"As a staunch advocate of CCAM, together with the city council , we have identified certain programs and measures  to be implemented that will reduce power consumption in the city hall and at the same time in the barangays through the use and installation of solar powered energy lighting facilities and now the installation of  LED units." Dioneda expressed.

Four barangays here have already started with clearing and preparation in replacing and installing this power reducing lighting facility according to Manaois.

"In fact, the people from barangay Talisay through Barangay Captain Dennis Valladolid have expressed satisfaction and positive reactions in the initiatives being implemented by the city government", Manaois  explained.

"The thrust of the city government is to make people aware of how as a community the City of Sorsogon can contribute in the reduction of carbon fossil fuel emission and at the same time reduce the power consumption here in our city and save funds. Savings can be used now for other needed programs specially health reforms and environmental conservation”, he said.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation are now being strengthened by the city government by also scheduling power shut off in the offices on scheduled times according to Manaois.

"Eventually, Sorsogon City will be using these new technologies that are environmentally friendly and safe. This will also provide additional funds for the city government as power cost will be reduced", Mayor Dioneda finally expressed. (PIA-SORSOGON)

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