Shell, Philips bring greener energy solution to Hospicio de San Jose

MANILA, Philippines -  Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Shell), in partnership with Philips Electronics and Lighting (Philips), Inc., brightened up the holidays of Hospicio de San Jose beneficiaries with the launch of the Hospicio de San Jose Lighting Project, an initiative that involves replacing more than 1,600 lamps in the centuries-old welfare institution with Philips’ energy-efficient lighting solution with the aim of reducing electric consumption by 20-30 percent. 

The project kicked off with a symbolic lighting ceremony of LED (light-emitting diode) lights on the facade of Hospicio de San Jose, much to the delight of the children and elderly beneficiaries of the institution.

Shell companies in the Philippines (SciP) country chairman Edgar Chua, together with his family, has been assisting Hospicio de San Jose for years now, and was instrumental in paving the way for the lighting project to come into fruition for the orphanage. “By introducing more energy-efficient lighting solutions, we can contribute in a sustainable manner to cut down on Hospicio’s electricity costs,” said Chua, who also expressed his gratitude to Philips for supporting the worthwhile endeavor.   

Further highlighting the benefit of a greener energy solution for Hospicio de San Jose, Philips chief executive officer Rico Gonzales said, “By changing its incandescent lamps, the institution will generate a guaranteed savings of 80 percent. From tube lamps to thinner ones, the savings is 20 percent, and these lamps will even last for five years. It is our privilege to be part of this project, a worthwhile donation to almost 300 beneficiaries of this institution.” 

Gonzalez noted that based on his computation, Hospicio de San Jose can save up to P6 million in just five years through the use of these more energy-efficient lighting technologies. “Through this initiative, we’re not only helping Hospicio but also helping the environment by providing greener solutions for this facility. It is part of our companies’ (Shell and Philips) sustainability effort. We thank you for this opportunity and thank you for allowing us to be a part of this noble work,” said Gonzales.

Royal Netherlands Ambassador Robert Brinks, Department of Energy (DoE) Undersecretary Loreta Ayson, and Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim graced the affair to lend their support to the worthy initiative.

Mayor Lim, who holds a special place in his heart for Hospicio de San Jose after having been a beneficiary of the institution for nine years as a young boy, thanked Shell, Philips, and Unilever for their contributions to Hospicio de San Jose. “Hospicio not only provides love, care and affection to its residents, but exemplifies the hope that should emanate from our hearts,” said the Manila mayor. He further recounted how he personally witnessed Hospicio’s sisters and employees become instrumental in making the residents’ everyday life brighter and how dedicated they were in inculcating good moral values, especially among the youth.

Expressing gratitude for the lighting project and appreciation to donors Shell, Philips and Unilever, Hospicio de San Jose director Sister Maria Socorro Evidente said: “With the lighting project, we can see our electric bill come down starting January 2011. This is really a big help to Hospicio and a more sustainable project, too.” 

As a responsible energy company, Shell partners with both the private and public sector in promoting sustainable energy and efficient energy use as a way of addressing the energy challenge and bringing forth greater energy access to all Filipinos.