THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday said it will install solar photovoltaic systems in one of its facilities as well as its main building in Pasig City as part of efforts to save on electricity consumption.
MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes announced the move after he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with officials of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) to help the agency utilize a solar power system for its facilities.
“I am delighted to extend our sincere appreciation to the PNOC for your unwavering support and commitment to the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to advancing energy resilience and sustainability in the public sector are truly commendable. Together, we are embarking on projects that represent our shared vision for a cleaner and more energy-efficient future,” Artes said during the signing of the MOU.
The first ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system will be installed at the MMDA Carmona Development Center in Cavite, Artes said.
The Carmona Development Center is located in a former sanitary landfill that the agency is now utilizing as a facility for disaster response training and as a showcase for environmental sustainability.
A rooftop solar system will also be installed at the MMDA head office building in Pasig City.
“This fits in with the agency’s initiative for a green building, including the MMDA head office, which was earlier certified as a Building Ecological Responsive Design Excellence or Berde government facility that symbolizes a sustainable design and operation of the MMDA,” Artes added.
Artes said the agency is eyeing to gain Berde 3 rating for its Pasig building as part of its effort to enhance its climate-responsive building infrastructure.
PNOC President and Chief Executive Officer Oliver Butalid said the partnership with the MMDA is part of their move to promote renewable energy and energy self-sufficiency in government operations, especially those agencies with critical infrastructures.
“With the use of the solar PV system, we can assure the MMDA that they will be able to save more on their electric consumption while helping the government to promote the use of renewable energy,” Butalid said.
Also present during the MOU signing were MMDA deputy chairman Frisco San Juan Jr., MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana, and PNOC officials led by Butalid.
