The municipality of Balaoan in La Union has a solar-powered covered basketball court of international standards, air-conditioned bus stop, and playground funded by the town's share in the tobacco excise tax.

Municipal planning and development coordinator Charlie Fedencio Balanon, in a phone interview Saturday, said the P78-million covered court can accommodate up to 1,600 people.

The solar panels of the structure can generate up to the maximum net metering of 99 kilovolt-amperes, while those at the bus stop can allow the air-conditioner to run 24 hours per day.

"First of all, we don't have a lot of space in Balaoan for open space for recreation. So, we have to develop what we have at present. Secondly, we can accommodate or host national basketball games or even volleyball games here. That's why it's of international standards," he said.

The bus stop also has a lactation area for nursing mothers.

"The mayor noticed that the passengers, while waiting, were sweating. But there's a fund," he said, pertaining to the town's share in the tobacco excise tax.

He said Balaoan is a top beneficiary of Republic Act 7171 or An Act to Promote the Development of the Farmers in the Virginia Tobacco-Producing Provinces.

"We didn't borrow anything from the banks," he said. (PNA)