As part of its campaign to combat climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of Makati City, Mayor Abby Binay announced that the city government will soon install solar panels in all its public schools in line with the city’s advocacy to promote a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable community.

Binay made the announcement during the Brigada Eskewela kick-off activity held at Comembo Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 10.

She said that her administration aims to make Makati City the pioneer in using renewable energy to power public schools and local government offices.

"I am proud to announce that the city is procuring solar panels to provide a source of renewable energy in our schools and local government offices. This is part of our citywide initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint and leave a greener and healthier environment for the next generation of Makatizens,” Binay said.

She explained that the use of solar panels will significantly cut down energy consumption and costs while pushing for the city’s advocacy for sustainability and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The solar panels will also assure a continuous supply of electricity to schools and offices even during calamities.

Aside from its economic and environmental benefits, the installation of solar panels will also set a good example for young Makatizens so they could become more conscious of the environmental impact of fossil fuel use and greenhouse emissions.

According to Binay, the installation of the solar panels in public schools can be done in batches with Comembo Elementary School as one of the pilot sites.

Makati City has 25 elementary schools, 10 junior high schools, and eight senior high schools that would benefit from the use of solar panels.

On Aug. 5, Binay declared a state of climate emergency in the city as she called for a whole-of-society approach in responding to the crisis.

“As temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, low-lying coastal areas in cities like Makati have become more vulnerable to strong typhoons that bring floods and landslides. This will result not only in the disruption of public services but also the displacement of families and even entire communities,” Binay said during a webinar organized by Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

Binay laid out her administration’s programs and initiatives aiming to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the city which includes the procurement of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) to be used by the city government, installation of solar panels in public schools and government offices to minimize energy consumption, and to ensure continuity of services during calamities.

“We call upon everyone to come together and act now. We must ensure aggressive application of the whole-of-society approach in combating climate change. We heard the data. We understood the science, and we are feeling its impact. Now is a crucial time to act, and we need to act fast. We need thinkers, doers, and movers,” Binay said.

“The time for action is now. As the new breed of Makatizens and global citizens, it is our responsibility to take care of our city and ensure that it remains a livable place for future generations. We must promote sustainability and climate consciousness in all our actions. We must be the change we want to see in our city and the world,” she added.

The city government is also strictly implementing the Solid Waste Management Code, Makati Green Building Code, plastic ban among households and business establishments, ban on cigarette smoking, Anti-Smoke Belching Ordinance, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Ordinance.

On Aug. 5, Binay held a meeting with officials of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as it outlined its programs and initiatives in making Makati a smart and green city such as the integration of electric vehicles (e-vehicles), healthy foods for students, disaster reduction technology, and hydroponics, among others.

On Aug. 3, the mayor announced that electric buses (E-buses) will soon be a part of the regular public transportation sector in the city following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city government and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on the establishment of a smart public transport system in the city.

The smart public transport system will provide commuters with an affordable means of transportation, help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions since the eco-friendly buses are powered by electricity.

The $13-million partnership includes the development of a public transportation master plan, establishment of a public transport information and communications technology (ICT) system, pilot operation of electric vehicle (EV) bus service, establishment of an EV bus depot, and capacity building of officials and personnel.

The city government will provide the lands for the construction of the EV bus depot and parking area, oversee the implementation of the project, and secure a sufficient amount from its budget to cover the expenses required for the operation of the project, including the cost of proper storage, utilities for operation, and maintenance of ICT system and EV buses.

The mayor said the construction of the EV bus depot, control center, ICT system, and other facilities will start during the first quarter of 2023 and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025.