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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Solon hails DOH plan to use solar energy in public hospitals

Solon hails DOH plan to use solar energy in public hospitals

Published Nov 29, 2025 11:57 pm

At A Glance

  • Saying that government should lead the efforts in tapping renewable energy (RE), Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos has expressed his support for the Department of Health's (DOH) plan to use solar energy in public hospitals and other health facilities.
(Unsplash)
(Unsplash)


Saying that government should lead the efforts in tapping renewable energy (RE), Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos has expressed his support for the Department of Health’s (DOH) plan to use solar energy in public hospitals and other health facilities.
Bernos touted the benefits of using RE in government offices, which he said leads both to savings and in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the worsening climate.
"The DOH’s plan to utilize RE, particularly solar energy, is one that I fully support, and I hope that other agencies will follow suit,” said the Ilocano lawmaker.
DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa recently announced that the agency will push for the use of solar and other RE to help address the issue of climate change.
“One of the biggest carbon dioxide emitters – and consumes a large amount of electricity or fossil fuel energy – are our hospitals and health facilities,” Herbosa pointed out, as he added that the savings from the use of solar energy could be redirected toward purchasing additional medicines and supplies for patients in public hospitals.
Bernos also called for the passage of his House Bill (HB) No. 3126 or the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems bill. It is currently pending with the House Committee on Energy.
The bill mandates the establishment of on-grid solar energy systems in all national and local government-owned buildings and offices.
“If we want others to realize just how urgent the need to utilize renewable energy sources is to help mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, then it is vital that the government itself be seen as the number one advocate and implementer of green policies,” the Abra solon said.
Under Bernos’ bill, government agencies shall ensure that 20 percent of their average monthly utilization (AMU) would be covered by the on-grid solar energy systems within one year of installation.
The AMU by such systems would then increase to 40 percent within the second year, 60 percent on the third year, 80 percent on the fourth year, and 100 percent on the fifth year.
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