First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), Sto. Tomas, Batangas
August 23, 2017
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte lauded the efforts of the Solar Philippines in advancing the country’s solar energy industry through the timely and relevant establishment of a state-of-the-art facility during its inauguration at the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.
“Since developing solar energy projects in the Philippines mostly requires imported materials, it is high time that we begin to establish local solar power factories. Aside from helping us achieve energy sufficiency, this is an exciting time for you to start your venture as we are making substantial gains in our social economic reforms,” the President said in his message.
He assured that the government shall continue to support the development of renewable energy in the country.
Solar Philippines President Leandro Leviste said that one of the problems in the country is lack of manufacturing due to the cost of electricity, which compelled him to establish a facility that could generate the lowest cost of power in the country. He stressed that the establishment of the Solar Philippines is anchored on President Duterte’s plan on industrialization and lower electricity rate.
“We measure our success not in terms of revenue or profit but our contribution to the national development, especially the impact that we give to the poorest of the poor Filipinos,” Leviste said.
According to him, Solar Philippines shall provide the lowest solar rate in the country with a cost of PhP 2.99/kWh (per kilowatt hour) compared to the PhP 9.68/kWh in 2013 and PhP 8.69/kWh in 2015.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito Plaza reported that the Solar Philippines is now the 4018th industry registered with PEZA. She added that it has started to contribute to PEZA’s total performance.
“The solar panel industry is a very bankable field as it harnesses the power of the sun while reducing our carbon footprint and it presents itself as a reliable and alternative source of energy amid rising cost of power in the country,” Director General Plaza explained.
During the inauguration, President Duterte affixed his signature on a solar panel with his silhouette picture and on the first Philippine-made solar panel with the image of the Philippine flag.
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi joined the President in the event.
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