Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
26 May 2016

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the inauguration of the 10-megawatt (MW) Solar Farm Project in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, spearheaded by the First Cabanatuan Renewable Ventures Incorporated or FCRVI.

Recognizing its vital role in combating climate change, President Aquino said that the 39,456 solar panels would supply renewable energy to the whole Luzon grid. The solar farm is situated in a 12-hectare land area in Cabanatuan and is expected to lessen the Philippines’ carbon emission by up to 16,500 metric tons every year.

He added that this is the fifth solar project he has seen, saying that if such projects will push through in the upcoming years, it will be beneficial not only as an alternative source of energy, but for the environment as well. He recognized the efforts of every individual who contributes in the fight against climate change.

“Kaya naman matibay na patunay ang proyektong ito: hindi lang natin tinutugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating Boss sa kasalukuyan, pinaghahandaan din natin ang kinabukasan ng Pilipino, at ng buong mundo,” the President said.

As of the moment, 33% of the country’s energy source came from renewables such as solar, geothermal, hydro, wind, and biomass energy. As foreign investors keep on showing interest to the Philippine economy, it is expected that the country’s target on the renewable energy-based installed capacity will zoom to 15,304 MW by 2030, compared to the 5,439 MW in 2010.

Considered to be a major frontier in renewable energy, construction of the 10-MW solar farm was started on June 2015 and was completed on January 2016. It has a total budget of PhP 710 million and is expected to distribute electricity to un-electrified areas in the community.

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