PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Secretary Larry Gadon turned on the Solar Power System installed on all campuses of the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) last Monday.
Gadon was assisted by Dr. Ruby Matibag, president of the BPSU and Michelle Sia, president of Philko Corp, the private partner of the initiative that provided all the financing and installation of the solar system.
“The project is zero cost to the govt and the BPSU,” Gadon said, explaining that the 670-kilowatt solar power electricity will reduce the cost of operations of the six campuses of the BPSU “and use the savings for other academic requirements.
“Enhancement of academic aspects is critical to quality education. Education is one of the major factors that would help alleviate poverty,” he said.
He added that the solar system, aside from reducing the cost, will give BPSU the potential to earn additional funds from the excess power harvested by the solar system.
“The savings and earnings can be diverted to other funding needs of the school, thereby leading to the pursuit of higher quality education,” Gadon said, noting that it is in line with the program of President Marcos Jr., aimed at reducing poverty incidence rate in the country.
Philko, the project proponent, is involved in several key areas of investments. The BPSU solar system is Philko’s first alternative energy project.
The next phase of the solar project is the 27-hectare solar farm on the BPSU campus in Abugay, Bataan which is now in the inception stage. Philko has Korean partners in this project.
