Boracay to install solar powered street lights

A total of 118 units of solar-powered streetlights will be installed in major streets in this resort island.

Engr. Arnold Solano, officer in charge of the Municipal Engineering Office of Malay, said the installation of the P5-million streetlights is expected to be completed by the second week of February.

Solano said the solar-powered streetlights will be installed along the main roads in the three villages of Boracay, namely, Manocmanoc, Balabag and Yapak.

The streetlight project is funded by the local government unit (LGU) of Malay.

He said the project is part of the LGU’s commitment to protect the environment. The use of renewable-energy sources is, meanwhile, mandated by Republic Act 9153, or The Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

“By using an alternative-power source, particularly solar energy, we are also saving on electricity cost and helping to mitigate climate change,” Solano said.

Solano also emphasized that using renewable source of energy will allow the use of streetlights even during brownouts.

The solar-powered streetlights, which will serve as additional to the island’s exiting streetlights, are also seen to help in deterring criminal activities in this tourist island, especially in remote areas, he added.

“We will prioritize the installation of streetlights in remote areas like Mount Luho and Tambisaan,” he said.