Council defers anew solar project for Sambag 2

CEBU, Philippines — The proposal to install solar panels in Barangay Sambag 2 has been scrutinized anew by the Cebu City Council for lack of feasibility study from the proponent.

This after the proposed resolution of Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, that sought to authorize acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia to enter into a contract with SBD Builders, was brought up again in the recent council session.

The project is for the Provision of Renewable Energy Based Electrification in Brgy. Sambag II, Cebu City in the amount of more than P2.5 million as per Bids and Awards (BAC) Resolution dated February 26, 2024.

The Cebu City Council has already deferred the proposal set for Barangay Sambag 2’s gymnasium after its practicality was questioned by the body.

During the previous session, the council stressed on the project’s source of funds.

Guardo then told the council that its fund source is from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) downloaded to Barangay Sambag 2 to install solar panels in their gymnasium.

But majority of the council asked Guardo to submit the manufacturer’s warranty of the said project, to which the councilor has attached to the latest agenda as he moved for its approval anew.

However, in the most recent discussion, minority floor leader Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., reiterated his concern on the cost of the project and its lack of basis for it to be given the green light.

“In the case like this, it is very important to know what are the basic things that we should understand. We are putting P2.5 million and we don’t know how much we are paying for the cost for the electricity,” he said.

He added that the electricity consumption of the barangay, specifically on the monthly bills, must be aligned with what the solar panels can produce to justify its savings.

“Well that’s why I am asking unsay atong ma save ana para makahibaw ko unsa. If you want to say I can help, of course I can help, but we cannot approve it now,” Archival further said as the discussion progressed.

Councilor Franklyn Ong backed up Archival, saying that it is only fitting to present the number of watts consumed in the area of Sambag 2 and the whole electricity bill being paid.

He added that the said feasibility study must be presented in order to stand as basis for the other barangays that wish to likewise install solar power.

Majority Floor Leader Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera emphasized that the enactment of the project in Barangay Sambag 2 is an avenue to jumpstart the solar electrification, but also said that it is expensive, particularly on the batteries needed.

She then requested the contractor to submit an evaluation for its guidelines.

“I guess we need something to jumpstart Kay in fact in our annual budget we have appropriated P50 million for the installation of solar panels at the SRP facility,” she said.

During the discussion, Guardo apprised that the current average electric consumption of the barangay for the two buildings is P25,000.

As the barangay is also in the process of building an evacuation center, which will be included with coverage of the anticipated solar panels, it can cover up to P35,000.

Pesquera also clarified that since the budget will be downloaded to the city from national funding, no savings can be expected. She added that the city is not paying for the barangay’s electricity. – ATO  (CEBU NEWS)